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Nutrition Experts Expose the Hidden Risks of Seemingly Healthy UPFs
26 Jul
Summary
- Ultra-processed foods pose serious health risks like heart disease and diabetes
- Many "healthy" packaged foods like granola bars and yogurt are actually UPFs
- Canada to require nutrition labels on high-sodium, sugar, and saturated fat in 2026
Nutrition experts are sounding the alarm on the growing threat of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in modern diets. Their recent research shows that the effects of UPFs can accumulate over time, contributing to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health problems.
While UPFs like potato chips, candy, and frozen pizza are obvious culprits, the experts warn that many foods marketed as healthy, such as packaged granola bars, sports drinks, and fruit-filled yogurt, also fall into the UPF category. These highly processed items often contain additives, preservatives, and artificial flavorings that can trigger inflammatory responses in the body.
Even seemingly fit and healthy individuals may be unknowingly putting their long-term wellbeing at risk by consuming too many UPFs. To combat this growing issue, the Canadian government plans to require food packaging to prominently display the presence of unhealthy amounts of sodium, sugar, and saturated fat starting in January 2026. However, experts say this is just the first step, as many UPFs will still slip through the cracks.
