Skip to main content
Best News Website or Mobile Service
WAN-IFRA Digital Media Awards Worldwide 2022
Best News Website or Mobile Service
Digital Media Awards Worldwide 2022
Hamburger Menu
Advertisement
Advertisement

Singapore

Study finds ultra-processed food linked to over 30 harmful effects to health. Here's what you need to know

Ultra-processed food is directly associated with a range of health problems, such as mortality, cancer, as well as mental, respiratory and cardiovascular issues, according to the study.

Study finds ultra-processed food linked to over 30 harmful effects to health. Here's what you need to know

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that ultra-processed food is linked to more than 30 harmful effects to health. (Illustration: iStock)

New: You can now listen to articles.

This audio is generated by an AI tool.

SINGAPORE: Ultra-processed food (UPF) has been found to be directly linked to more than 30 harmful effects to health, according to the world's most extensive review of its type.

These include a higher risk of cancer, heart disease, mental health issues and death, stated the study published on Wednesday (Feb 28).

But how do you know what you are eating is classified under UPF, and what can you do to reduce your intake?

Before you reach for your next pack of potato chips or tub of ice-cream, here's what you should know.

What is ultra-processed food?

Ultra-processed food comes from the NOVA classification system, which categorises food according to the extent and purpose it is processed during production, rather than in terms of nutrients.

There are four categories in the system: Unprocessed or minimally processed food, processed culinary ingredients, processed food, and ultra-processed food and drink products.

The last category, ultra-processed food, comprises industrial formulations typically with five or more ingredients that tend to also include those used in processed food, such as sugar, oil, fats, salt, anti-oxidants, stabilisers, and preservatives, according to the World Nutrition journal in 2016. Such food typically has a long shelf life.

In the findings published in the British Medical Journal and reported by The Guardian, researchers found that ultra-processed food is directly linked to "32 health parameters spanning mortality, cancer, and mental, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and metabolic health outcomes".

The review of 45 meta-analyses on almost 10 million people highlighted the need for research and public health actions that address ultra-processed food consumption. 

The study was conducted by a group of health experts from institutions such as the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the United States, Deakin University in Australia, and Sorbonne University in France.

How to spot ultra-processed food?

Food under this category include sweet or savoury snacks such as ice cream and chocolate, mass-produced packaged breads and buns, ham, sausages, breakfast cereals, biscuits, carbonated drinks, fruit-flavoured yogurts, instant noodles, as well as some alcoholic drinks like whisky, gin, and rum.

Ready-to-heat products such as pre-prepared pies, pasta, pizza, and nuggets also fall under the same group.

In an example provided by Havard Health, corn is considered minimally processed, while canned corn is processed. Corn chips, then, are ultra-processed.

Similarly, wheat is minimally processed, flour is processed, and cookies are ultra-processed.

The British Health Foundation noted that everyday food such as breakfast cereals and mass-produced packaged bread may not be as obvious, but are still considered ultra-processed as ingredients such as emulsifiers, sweeteners, and artificial colours and flavours are added during the production process.

"The main purpose of industrial ultra-processing is to create products that are ready to eat, to drink or to heat, liable to replace both unprocessed or minimally processed foods that are naturally ready to consume, such as fruits and nuts, milk and water, and freshly prepared drinks, dishes, desserts and meals," according to the World Health journal.

It noted that common features of ultra-processed products are "hyper-palatability, sophisticated and attractive packaging, multi-media and other aggressive marketing to children and adolescents, health claims, high profitability, and branding and ownership by transnational corporations".

What are the harmful effects?

Results from the study as reported by The Guardian showed that eating more ultra-processed food was associated with a 50 per cent increased risk of cardiovascular disease-related death, a 48 per cent to 53 per cent higher risk of anxiety and common mental disorders, and a 12 per cent greater risk of type 2 diabetes. 

There was also highly suggestive evidence that a higher intake of ultra-processed food pushed up the risk of obesity by 55 per cent, sleep disorders by 41 per cent, and risk of depression by 20 per cent. 

In a linked editorial in the study, researchers said that "no reason exists to believe that humans can fully adapt to these products (ultra-processed foods)".

"The body may react to them as useless or harmful, so its systems may become impaired or damaged, depending on their vulnerability and the amount of ultra-processed food consumed."

They added that ultra-processed food include added flavours that "induce eating" when not hungry.

How to reduce the intake of ultra-processed food?

Instead of completely cutting out ultra-processed food from one's diet, a balance is recommended.

The British Heart Foundation said that minimally processed food should also be included in the diet, such as adding fruits and vegetables in meals and replace sugary drinks with water.

"It’s also important to remember that not all ultra-processed foods are equal. When you do include ultra-processed foods in your diet, choose those with more nutritional benefit – wholegrain bread and cereals or baked beans for example, instead of crisps, sweets or pizzas," the British Heart Foundation added.

Authors from the study also advised to read and compare the different food labels and try to choose less processed alternatives.

Issue brought up in Singapore parliament

In January, the topic of ultra-processed food came up in parliament in Singapore, when a question was posed to the Ministry of Health on whether the government will consider introducing regulation to tackle this issue and promote a healthier food environment.

In its written answer, the ministry said that there are currently no international medical or dietary recommendations on the intake of ultra-processed food. 

"Singapore has also not introduced legislation targeting ultra-processed food," it added.

"Nevertheless, the Health Promotion Board has implemented measures to encourage healthier eating, and to consume less saturated fats, sugar and salt. 

"The measures include the Healthier Choice Symbol, Nutri-Grade marks for pre-packaged and freshly prepared beverages, promotion of low sodium salt, and prohibition of partially hydrogenated oils. If effective, it will cut down the consumption of ultra-processed food."

Source: CNA/rc(gr)
Advertisement

Also worth reading

Advertisement