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Daily 100g Ultra-Processed Food: Heart Risk? Cardiologist Explains Impact
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Firstpost•28-09-2026, 15:07
Daily 100g Ultra-Processed Food: Heart Risk? Cardiologist Explains Impact
- •Dr. Ashish Kumar, Sr. Consultant, Cardiology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, warns that regular consumption of ultra-processed foods, not occasional treats, poses a significant health concern.
- •Research indicates that each additional 100 grams of ultra-processed food daily is linked to a 5.9% increase in cardiovascular events and a 14.5% rise in hypertension risk.
- •Ultra-processed foods often lack fiber and are high in sugar, salt, or refined starch, contributing to poor blood sugar control, weight gain, and elevated blood pressure.
- •Multiple studies, including the Framingham Offspring Study, show a correlation between ultra-processed food intake and increased cardiovascular event risk, emphasizing dietary patterns over fixed thresholds.
- •Dr. Kumar advises focusing on overall weekly eating habits and replacing packaged snacks and sugary drinks with whole foods for long-term heart health benefits.
Key Questions Answered
Research shows that each additional 100 grams of ultra-processed food consumed daily is linked to a 5.9 to 14 percent increase in cardiovascular events and an 11 to 14.5 percent higher risk of hypertension.
Ultra-processed foods are typically energy-dense, low in dietary fiber, and high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, salt, and artificial additives, which can lead to weight gain, poor blood sugar control, and elevated blood pressure.
Experts recommend focusing on long-term eating patterns rather than worrying about occasional treats, advising people to consistently replace packaged snacks and sugary drinks with whole options like fruits, water, and unsalted nuts.
