A major new report from European heart experts is raising concerns about the growing role of ultra processed foods in heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and early death.
The report, published in the European Heart Journal, combines evidence from many previous studies examining how ultra processed foods affect cardiovascular health.
Researchers say the findings show consistent links between high consumption of ultra processed foods and a greater risk of heart disease and death from cardiovascular causes.
The scientists are now encouraging doctors to speak directly with patients about ultra processed food intake as part of routine healthcare.
Ultra processed foods are foods made mostly from industrial ingredients and additives rather than simple whole foods.
These products often contain preservatives, flavor enhancers, sweeteners, artificial colors, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and ingredients designed to improve shelf life and taste.
Examples include chips, packaged sweets, sugary drinks, instant noodles, processed meats, frozen meals, fast food, sweetened cereals, packaged baked goods, and many highly processed snacks.
Researchers say these foods have become a major part of modern diets in many countries.
According to the report, ultra processed foods now account for more than half of daily calorie intake in some European countries, including the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
In countries such as Italy, Spain, and Portugal, where more traditional diets remain common, ultra processed food consumption is much lower.
Scientists believe this difference may help explain some international differences in heart disease rates and overall health.
The report was developed by experts from the European Society of Cardiology’s Council for Cardiology Practice and the European Association of Preventive Cardiology.
The expert panel included researchers from several major European institutions, including the University of Insubria, the University of Milan, IRCCS Neuromed, and LUM University.
The researchers reviewed large amounts of existing evidence on ultra processed foods and cardiovascular disease.
The findings were concerning.
People who consumed the highest amounts of ultra processed foods had up to a 19 percent higher risk of heart disease compared with those who consumed the least.
The report also found higher risks of atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and unhealthy fat accumulation in the blood.
Perhaps most worrying, people with the highest intake of ultra processed foods faced up to a 65 percent higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
Researchers believe several factors may explain these risks.
Ultra processed foods are often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, salt, and refined carbohydrates while being low in fiber and nutrients.
At the same time, industrial processing changes the natural structure of foods and introduces additives and chemical compounds that may affect the body in harmful ways.
Scientists suspect these foods may trigger inflammation, disturb metabolism, alter gut bacteria, encourage overeating, and damage blood vessels over time.
Professor Luigina Guasti from the University of Insubria explained that research linking ultra processed foods to cardiovascular disease has become increasingly consistent over the past decade.
However, she also noted that many doctors still do not routinely discuss food processing with patients when giving dietary advice.
Most traditional nutrition guidance focuses mainly on nutrients such as calories, fats, or sugar levels.
Researchers now argue that the degree of food processing itself may deserve much more attention.
The report calls for updated dietary guidelines, clearer food labeling, and greater public education about ultra processed foods.
Researchers also encourage doctors to ask patients specifically about ultra processed food consumption alongside other lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, and sleep habits.
The scientists stress that not all foods marketed as “healthy” are necessarily healthy if they are heavily processed.
For example, some low-fat or high-protein packaged products may still contain many industrial additives and highly refined ingredients.
The researchers encourage people to eat more whole or minimally processed foods whenever possible.
Examples include fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, and meals prepared from simple ingredients.
The authors caution that most current studies on ultra processed foods are observational. This means researchers cannot yet prove with complete certainty that ultra processed foods directly cause heart disease.
Still, the consistency of the evidence across many large populations has increased scientific concern.
Researchers say future long-term intervention studies are needed to better understand how reducing ultra processed food intake affects cardiovascular health over time.
Overall, the report highlights a growing shift in nutrition science. Scientists are moving beyond simply counting calories and nutrients and are increasingly focusing on how industrial food processing itself may affect human health.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about top foods to love for a stronger heart, and why oranges may help fight obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
For more health information, please see recent studies about simple guide to a 7-day diabetes meal plan, and why you should add black beans to your plate.
The report was published in the European Heart Journal.
Source: European Society of Cardiology.
