Can Ultra-Processed Foods Give You A Heart Attack or Stroke?

The data is tempting; however, separating it from other risk factors is difficult.

All photographs are credited to the author.

Editorial Note: as part of our boost program, we curated this valuable story from the Cardiology Made Easy publication by Dr David Mokotoff, MD. You can learn more about the author from an interview conducted by our chief editor Dr Mehmet Yildiz and a writer introduction written by our senior editor Dr Mike Broadly, DHSc.

If you Google these three words, ultra-processed foods, there are over 30 million results. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are not new; however, the damage they might do to your body has only been studied recently. There is now a growing body of evidence that heavy consumption of UPFs might be damaging your heart as well as other parts of your body.

Food Classifications

Foods have been classified into four groups. Understanding the differences is important. These classifications are based on the NOVA Food Classification System.

1. Group 1: Unprocessed or natural. These foods are obtained directly from plants or animals and do not undergo any alteration following their removal from nature. For example, eggs, beans, grains, fresh or dried fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, nuts, etc. Minimally…