Mixed
High consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) displaces minimally processed foods and is directly associated with unhealthy dietary nutrient profiles (high energy density, saturated/trans fats, free sugars; low fiber, micronutrients) and increased risk of diet-related non-communicable diseases including obesity, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome.
Prioritize whole, minimally processed foods (vegetables, fruits, grains, meats) and limit ultra-processed products (packaged snacks, sugary drinks, fast food). UPFs are engineered to be hyper-palatable and energy-dense, leading to overconsumption and nutrient deficiencies. Replacing UPFs with home-prepared meals improves nutrient quality and reduces chronic disease risk.
The evidence so far shows that displacement of minimally processed foods and freshly prepared dishes and meals by ultra-processed products is associated with unhealthy dietary nutrient profiles and several diet-related non-communicable diseases.
Why this rating
The paper cites numerous ecological, cross-sectional, and cohort studies across multiple countries showing consistent associations, though it acknowledges the difficulty of isolating 'processing' from nutrients in some contexts.
Source
The UN Decade of Nutrition, the NOVA food classification and the trouble with ultra-processing
Carlos Augusto Monteiro et al. · Public Health Nutrition · 2017
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