The 30-year Harvard Study has found that ultra-processed foods contribute to higher deaths at an early age

A massive 30-year Harvard study links higher consumption of ultra-processed foods like sugary drinks and processed meats to increased risk of early death.

A new research study which was carried out for more than 30 years by the researchers at the Harvard University has raised an alarm about the possible health risks associated with consuming ultra-processed foods. The study, published in the reputable BMJ medical journal, shows that the likelihood of dying at an early age rises in people who consume this kind of food in high amounts.

The extensive study involved following the eating habits and health outcomes of 114,000 participants over a mean duration of 34 years. The experts recorded 48,193 deaths from different causes such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, and neurodegenerative diseases in the said period.

During the analysis, the researchers found a trend that was very alarming - individuals who ate more ultra-processed foods had higher death rates than those who preferred a diet with less processed foods. In this study, it was found that people who eat ultra-processed meats on a regular basis have a 13% higher chance of dying earlier. The risk for diabetes was as high as 9% in case of a diet loaded with sugary and artificially sweetened beverages. In general, diets including a lot of ultra-processed food products were associated with a 4% higher probability of dying.

Ultra-processed foods is the foods that are manufactured using ingredients like artificial colors, sweeteners, preservatives and other additives which are not normally found in home-made meals. These include, for instance, ready-to-eat meat and seafood products, as well as sugary drinks, dairy-based desserts, and highly processed breakfast foods. Such products are usually rich in saturated fat, but they are deficient in fiber and lacking in nutrients.

"The results indicate that restriction of specific types of ultra-processed food for long-term health may be supported," the researchers stated, suggesting that additional studies should be carried out to improve the classification of ultra-processed foods and validate the current findings for different populations.

Also Read: Argentineans Stifle The Nation In A Strike Against Milei Austerity

Previous researches, as well, have linked ultra-processed foods consumption to increased risks of cancer, mental health problems, type 2 diabetes and premature death. However, the increasing evidence of the damage that these foods cause is not leading to a decrease in their popularity among the people in the Western countries.  Instead, they are now comprising up to 50% of daily caloric intake for the average person, and can even reach 80% for younger individuals and those with lower income backgrounds.

Health specialists always advise the public to choose whole foods that are in unprocessed or minimally processed form such as fruits, vegetables, nuts/seeds, eggs, fish, and unprocessed meats etc. These naturally nutritious options are at a current intake of only 30% of the usual UK diet; however, they provide the necessary nutrients bodies need without the harmful additives that are found in ultra-processed foods.

The researchers pinpoint that there is the need for a team effort of the public health sector in favor of balanced, whole food diets for population health and longevity. Adding to the growing body of knowledge that our tendency to consume highly processed, industrialized food items may be taking a huge toll on us, this landmark study is another piece of the puzzle.