Question 119 of 433
Are ultra-processed foods really that harmful?
The short answer
Yes. They drive overeating, and diets high in them are tied to more obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and early death.
In a tightly controlled study at the National Institutes of Health, volunteers lived in a research unit and were offered either ultra-processed or minimally processed meals, matched for sugar, fat, and fiber. On the processed diet they ate about 500 more calories a day without noticing and gained weight in two weeks.
A simple rule: if it comes in a crinkly bag, has a long ingredient list, and you could not make it in a kitchen, eat it rarely. Dr. Casey Means’ Good Energy makes this argument at length.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
CONTROLLED HUMAN TRIAL for short-term intake and weight; OBSERVATIONAL for many long-term disease outcomes.Evidence grade (draft mapping)CObservationalARobust human trialsPart 9, Q119 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.