Research has shown that consuming processed foods labeled as 'plant-based' can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Plant-based foods are considered good for heart health. There are also studies showing that people who follow a plant-based diet have a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke.

 

On the other hand, the consumption of ultra-processed foods that have undergone many processing steps is reported to be associated with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. What about ultra-processed foods made from plant-based ingredients? Plant-based ultra-processed foods such as plant-based meat and cereals are made from plant ingredients, but they often contain high levels of salt, fat, and sugar, and contain many artificial additives.

A joint research team from the University of São Paulo in Brazil and Imperial College London in the UK conducted a study to investigate the effects of plant-based ultra-processed foods on cardiovascular disease. First, data from 126,842 adults aged 40 to 69 who were assessed for their diet in the UK Biobank were extracted. Then, their diets were classified according to the food classification system based on the degree of processing and whether the foods were animal- or plant-based, and they were followed up for an average of 9 years.

 

Analysis results showed that a 10 percentage point increase in the consumption of plant-based ultra-processed foods is associated with a 5% increase in cardiovascular disease risk and a 12% increase in mortality from cardiovascular disease. Conversely, the consumption of unprocessed plant-based foods was associated with a 7% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk and a 13% decrease in mortality.

 

The research team predicted that plant-based ultra-processed foods, although often advertised as healthy choices, may actually be worse options. They also argued that related guidelines should be revised to encourage consumers to reduce their intake of ultra-processed foods and prefer plant-based diets.

 

Dr. Fernanda Lauber, the author of the study, said, "Although these foods are plant-based, their ingredients and processing methods can contribute to risk factors such as dyslipidemia and hypertension."

 

Another author, Renata Levi, said, "Our research can serve as strong evidence to support the argument that we should encourage a reduction in the consumption of ultra-processed foods, whether animal-based or plant-based."

 

Meanwhile, to reduce the intake of ultra-processed foods, it is important to first check whether the foods you usually enjoy are ultra-processed. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines ultra-processed foods as those containing ingredients such as casein, lactose, gluten, maltodextrin, high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, and flavor enhancers.

 

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We don't really like cereal, but

It's good to easily eat with milk.

Mom is taking medicine.

 

Generally, it contains high levels of salt, fat, and sugar, with many artificial additives.

 

It is essential to check for artificial additives when purchasing.