A recent study by Canadian kinesiology researchers has established a direct link between ultra-processed foods and poor health. The study found that consuming these foods triggers an inflammatory response similar to the one caused by contact with a pathogen.
The researchers, from McMaster University, analyzed data from 6,000 individuals in Canada and discovered that people who consumed more than three servings of ultra-processed foods per day were at a higher risk of poor health. These high consumers were more likely to be men with lower incomes and lower educational levels.
The study revealed that ultra-processed foods tend to replace healthier options like fruits and vegetables in the diets of these individuals, accounting for nearly 45% of the daily energy intake of Canadian citizens aged 20 and older. This significant shift towards processed products has hidden health costs totaling up to $8.1 trillion, according to a UN report.
The researchers argue that our bodies perceive ultra-processed foods as foreign objects, causing them to detect these substances in this manner. The study’s findings emphasize the need for Canadians to reassess their diet and prioritize whole, nutritious foods over processed options.
Source: https://glassalmanac.com/junk-food-alert-our-bodies-treat-ultra-processed-foods-like-foreign-invaders