Eating more junk food raises chance of an early death

'Return to fresh produce to save lives'

- By Stephen Beech

PEOPLE who eat a lot of ultra-processed junk food are more likely to die young, research shows.

Now researchers are calling for global action to reduce consumption of UPFs such as burgers, sausages, crisps, ice cream, biscuits, mass-produced bread, fizzy drinks and flavoured yoghurts.

Such ultra-processed foods are often high in added sugar, fat, salt and additives, but low in protein and fibre.

Industrial formulations made with little or no whole foods in their composition have gradually been taking over our diets, replacing traditional foods and meals made from fresh and minimally processed ingredients.

Diseases