For the first time, the number of premature deaths (from 30 to 69 years old) related to the consumption of ultra-processed foods was calculated: approximately 57 thousand deaths per year, according to 2019 data.
The study was conducted by researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) and the University of Santiago de Chile.
The research was published in American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Comparison with other causes
The number is alarming when compared with the number of deaths resulting from other causes in the same year of analysis. Check out:
- Associated with ultra-processed: 57 thousand
- homicides: 45.5 thousand (Atlas of Violence)
- Lung cancer: 28.6 thousand (National Cancer Institute - Inca)
- Breast cancer: 18 thousand (Inca)
What are the ultra-processed?
Ultra-processed foods are foods that have been subjected to higher levels of industrial processing.
They consist of high amounts of addition of sugars, sodium, fats, substances that are synthesized in laboratories, as well as preservatives.
Some examples of ultra-processed:
- sausages
- packet snacks
- Soft drinks
- fruit in syrup
- Canned
- Cookies
- Frozen pizzas and snacks
Do not stop now... There's more after the publicity ;)
health damage
Ultra-processed products do not offer adequate nutrients for food. And recent research associates the consumption of these products with health problems, such as: diabetes, cardiovascular diseases It is cancer.
Read more: Causes, risks and treatment for obesity
By Lucas Afonso
Journalist
