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Heart Association Sounds Alarm on Ultraprocessed Food Epidemic
8 Aug
Summary
- Americans get 55% of daily calories from ultraprocessed foods
- Eating just 1 extra serving per day raises heart disease death risk by 50%
- Experts divided on whether any ultraprocessed foods can be considered "healthy"
In a major public health announcement, the American Heart Association has released new guidelines condemning the widespread consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) in the United States. According to the report, Americans over age 1 now get a staggering 55% of their daily calories from UPFs, with the figure rising to 62% for children.
The AHA warns that this trend is deeply concerning, as research has found a direct link between UPF intake and increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and premature death. In fact, just one extra serving of UPFs per day was associated with a 50% higher risk of cardiovascular disease-related mortality.
While the AHA acknowledges that a small number of UPFs like whole grain breads and low-sugar yogurts may be slightly healthier options, experts say the industry must be held accountable for producing the vast majority of UPFs that are loaded with unhealthy fats, added sugars, and salt. As one expert noted, "Let's not give the industry a write-off just because there's a few things that are a bit healthier than the vast majority of ultraprocessed foods full of sugar, salt and fat."
With the AHA's influential guidelines now in place, policymakers and health advocates are expected to ramp up efforts to curb America's addiction to ultraprocessed junk food in the coming years.
