Macro partitioning
Diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPF) have the least healthful nutritional profile (higher in fat, saturated fat, sugar, and sodium; lower in fiber and protein), even if UPF items themselves do not always have the worst profile.
When evaluating food, look at the whole diet, not just individual items. A diet high in ultra-processed foods tends to be less healthy (more fat/sugar, less fiber/protein). However, not every UPF item is bad; it is the overall pattern of consumption that matters.
UPF did not necessarily have the least healthful nutritional profile, but diets high in these foods did.
Why this rating
Large sample size and individual-level data provide strong descriptive evidence of nutritional content.
Source
Characterisation of UK diets according to degree of food processing and associations with socio-demographics and obesity: cross-sectional analysis of UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2008–12)
Jean Adams et al. · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · 2015
DOI 10.1186/s12966-015-0317-y
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