Increased use of ultra-processed food may lead to cancer of any type: New research

Ultra-processed foods are easily adoptable and habit forming. These are designed in highly fashionable manner and are appealing to our taste buds. These are available anywhere and are also mostly cheap. But latest research has made striking revelations.

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According to new research, frequent use of ultra-processed foods may lead to cancer of any type. The research says that the processed foods are made with some unknown ingredients which are not good for health. Its increased use may also lead to heart and circulation problems. Eating processed food like hot dog can cause increased danger of colorectal cancer.

Research done at British Medical Journal says, middle aged women are prone to danger of breast cancer due to frequent use of processed food. The risk of cancer among younger women has increased to 27%. The diet of an average person consists of 50% of processed foods.

Ultra-Processed products means any product which is prepared in the industry and unfortunately these foods now consist of half of our diet.

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These products consist of ready and packaged meals, cakes, pies, sweets, ice creams, chocolates, infant formulas, baby food, confectionery and noodles and these contains high amount of sugar, salts and fats and are packed with chemical additives. Sugar is most common type of ultra-processed products and 26% foods are made with sugar.

According to this research, with every 10% increase in consumption of these foods, the risk of developing of cancer increase by 12%. This research is required to be further interpreted.

"Ultra-processed fats and sauces, sugary products and drinks were associated with an increased risk of overall cancer," the study says. "Ultra-processed sugary products were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer."

Different types of additives, sweeteners, emulsifiers and chemicals are used to boost the flavors and shelf life of these ultra-processed foods, these increase the risk of cancer. Over consumption of these foods is also associated with obesity.

Marji McCullough, who is director at American Cancer Society, suggests that caution is required before interpreting such results and link them with cancer.

"This study doesn't mean that people should think 'if I eat this cracker, I'm going to get cancer,' " McCullough said.” The overriding message of this study was really to look at an overall diet pattern rather than a specific ingredient, and it supports a lot of what we already know."

If we are health conscious, we should now open our fridge and have a look at the array of foods that are putting our and our family health at risk.

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Scientists say that families should carefully read the warning and food ingredients labels before consuming these foods. They suggest to eat diet that is rich in whole grain, vegetables and fruits instead of eating processed food.

References:

1- http://www.bmj.com/
2- https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/feb/14/ultra-processed-foods-may-be-linked-to-cancer-says-study
3- https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/14/health/ultra-processed-foods-cancer-study/index.html