Excessive Ultra-Processed Food Intake Is Linked With Lower Heart Health

(Newswire.net — November 2, 2022) Orlando, FL — More and more researchers are looking into the dangerous health impacts of consuming ultra-processed food. In a study, it has been found to be particularly detrimental to the heart.

This is preliminary research presented at American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2019.

In this research, it has been found that ultra-processed foods are associated with reduced measures of cardiovascular health. 

It is worth noting that in the United States, ultra-processed foods account for over half of an average daily intake of calories. 

It was carried out by researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The investigators found that for every 5 percent increase in calories obtained from the consumption of ultra-processed foods, there was a corresponding reduction in overall cardiovascular health. 

The findings have particularly shown that adults who consumed roughly 70 percent of their calories from ultra-processed foods were half as likely to have “ideal” cardiovascular health. they were compared with people who ate 40 percent or less of their calories from ultra-processed foods.

This ideal heart health standard is defined by the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7.

Ultra-processed foods pertain to ones made mostly or entirely from substances extracted from starches, fats, hydrogenated fats, added sugar, modified starch, and other compounds. They also include cosmetic additives such as artificial flavors, colors, or emulsifiers.

Examples of ultra-processed foods are cakes, processed meats, soft drinks, packaged salty snacks, cookies, chicken nuggets, and powdered and packaged instant soups.

According to Zefeng Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., CDC epidemiologist, healthy diets play an important role in maintaining healthy heart and blood vessels.

“Eating ultra-processed foods often displaces healthier foods that are rich in nutrients, like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, which are strongly linked to good heart health. In addition, ultra-processed foods are often high in salt, added sugars, saturated fat, and other substances associated with increasing the risk of heart disease,” Zhang added.

It is important to reduce the intake of processed food and increase the consumption of heart-healthy foods. This may include the use of phytochemicals like curcumin, which can be found in the ancient, medicinal spice called turmeric.

This remedy has long been studied for its heart health benefits. It is also popularized by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Extra-strength formulas like Divine Bounty Curcumin may be helpful in delivering the healing goodness of this remedy. 

In addition to having highly potent and pure curcumin, it also has black pepper which increases curcumin absorption inside the body (www.amazon.com/Turmeric-Curcumin-BioPerine-Pepper-Extract/dp/B00VSVKJ8I).