Ultra-Processed Foods and Human Health

Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) are a class of food ingredients. They are generally low in protein and fibre, as well as being high in fat, salt and sugar. UPFs have also commonly undergone industrial processes such as extrusion, moulding and milling. It's estimated that circa 50% of current UK calorie intake, comes from UPFs. They may, however, be distinctly unhealthy options (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/oct/16/ultra-processed-food-unhealthier-harder-to-avoid-than-you-thought). High UPF intake has already been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease (heart attack and strokes); high blood pressure (ditto); type 2 diabetes; dementia and colon cancer. Although a vegan or vegetarian diet beneficially reduces fat intake from meat, many newly-available plant-based foods are UPFs. Their availability makes becoming an unhealthy vegan or vegetarian more likely! Oat milk is a popular replacement for dairy but it may have downsides. Perhaps people need worry about more than just whether a food item is derived from animal, bacterial, fungal or plant material?