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Policies that limit ultra-processed food intake are urgently needed, say researchers
Two large European studies published by
The BMJ today find positive associations between consumption of highly processed ("ultra-processed") foods and risk of cardiovascular disease and death.
The researchers say further work is needed to better understand these effects, and a direct (causal) link remains to be established, but they call for policies that promote consumption of fresh or minimally processed foods over highly processed foods.
Ultra-processed foods include packaged baked goods and snacks, fizzy drinks, sugary cereals, ready meals containing food additives, dehydrated vegetable soups, and reconstituted meat and fish products -- often containing high levels of added sugar, fat, and/or salt, but lacking in vitamins and fibre. They are thought to account for around 25-60% of daily energy intake in many countries.
Previous studies have linked ultra-processed foods to higher risks of obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and some cancers, but firm evidence is still scarce.
Comment: There's a lot to say about this case. The above article's purpose is really to serve as a warning against anyone trying any healing modality outside of the mainstream 'cut, nuke and burn' approach. The headline could have read "Stupid hippy turns down chemo and dies". Of course they say that alternative options can be used in conjunction with mainstream treatments - as long as you still contribute to the cancer drug cartel's profits, do what you like!
The fact that Britton-Jordan chose to go the vegan route is unfortunate, but one can't condemn her for wanting to try alternatives to the medical establishment's 'only option'. It just seems she was enraptured by the new age hippy treatments instead of going with something with more evidence behind it. Laser therapy, magnets, vegetable juicing - all undoubtedly have a lot of promises offered online, but realistically none of them are going to be a match for an aggressive cancer.
But it's important to keep in mind that just because there are a lot of empty promises out there, it doesn't mean the mainstream approach is the only viable option. And similarly, the mainstream approach may be the best option in some cases. Because each case is unique, the right path isn't always obvious and needs to be navigated with care.
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