Australia – A diet high in ultra-processed foods (UPF) significantly increases the risk of death from chronic respiratory diseases, new research shows.
The study, conducted by a team from the University of Adelaide and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), led by Dr. Tefera Mekonnen, collected data from more than 96,000 participants living in the United States, between 1999 and 2018, and analyzed the impact of consumption of highly processed foods. On a variety of chronic respiratory diseases.
“We found that participants who ate a diet consisting of more than 40% ultra-processed foods (UPF) had a 26% higher risk of death from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a 10% higher risk of death from chronic respiratory disease,” Mekonnen said. %, including lung cancer, and other chronic diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma.”
She added: “Participants who consumed the highest amount of ultra-processed foods were typically younger, with a higher body mass index and increased risk of diabetes, emphysema and high blood pressure, as well as lower overall diet quality.”
Examples of ultra-processed foods include potato chips, crackers, processed meats, fried chicken, soft drinks, ice cream, and more.
“These foods are full of preservatives and additives that enter the bloodstream and may contribute to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, which exacerbates respiratory diseases,” Mekonnen explained.
This study is one of the most comprehensive studies to date on the impact of ultra-processed foods on respiratory health.
The researchers say they do not expect to find any major differences between the United States and Western countries, because the populations follow a similar diet.
“Our research suggests that reducing the intake of ultra-processed foods can significantly improve respiratory health and reduce the risk of death from chronic respiratory diseases,” Mekonnen continued.
More research is needed to explore the precise mechanisms driving the effects of dietary factors on respiratory health in more detail.
Source: Medical Express
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2024-04-13 13:34:05