The Three Leading Processed Food Diseases
The three leading chronic diseases linked to high consumption of ultra-processed foods (packaged snacks, sugary drinks, frozen meals) are cardiovascular diseases (heart disease and stroke), type 2 diabetes, and obesity. These conditions arise from high levels of saturated fat, sugar, salt, and low nutritional value. 1 - Obesity . The World Health Organization says processed foods are to blame for the sharp rise in obesity, and much of the chronic disease seen around the world. 2 - Diabetes . Researchers have found that, in the last 50 years, the extent of processing has increased so much that prepared breakfast cereals, even without added sugar act exactly like sugar itself. 3 – Heart Disease . Many processed foods contain trans fatty acids, a dangerous type of fat. According to the American Heart Association, trans fatty acids tend to raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol. These changes can increase the risk of heart disease. In addition, most processed foods are extre...