Ultraprocessed plant foods raise heart risks, finds study

A new study published in the Lancet Regional Health—Europe journal reveals that not all plant-based diets are healthy and that ultraprocessed plant foods have negative health impacts.

Researchers analyzed data from 118,000 UK adults over a decade and found that consuming ultraprocessed plant foods, such as meat substitutes, fruit juices and pastries, increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

These foods are often loaded with excessive salt, sugar and unhealthy fats, which can negate the health benefits typically associated with plant-based diets.

In contrast, non-ultraprocessed plant-based foods like cut and washed fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts are linked with a 20% lower chance of fatal heart diseases.

The study emphasizes that artificial processing strips plant foods of vital nutrients like fiber while adding harmful elements like salt and sugar, which accelerate their absorption in the body, contributing to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.

To maintain a healthy diet experts recommend reading food labels and choosing foods with recognizable ingredients.