Processed plant-based food considered nutritious is actually an enemy of health!

Until now we believed that a plant-based diet is a great way to stay healthy, but a recent study has changed this perception a bit. According to this research, highly processed plant-based food can increase the risk of heart disease and premature death.

This study based on data from the UK Biobank has been published in The Lancet Regional Health - Europe journal. Researchers analyzed the diet and health records of more than 1.18 lakh people aged 40 to 69 years. The study found that people who consumed more plant-based processed foods had a 5% increased risk of heart disease and a 13% increased risk of death.

Dr. Claire Marie Stacey, the lead author of this study, says that our study has found that the consumption of processed plant-based foods is associated with the risk of heart disease and death. However, it is important to note that overall, a plant-based diet is still a great way to stay healthy. So then the question arises, what are these processed plant-based foods, that can be harmful to us?

These are foods that have been significantly altered from their natural state. Extra sugar, salt, fat, and artificial ingredients are often added to them. For example, packaged fake meat, vegetable hotdogs, frozen fries packaged snacks, etc. can be considered processed plant-based foods.

Expert

Dr. Stacey further says that these processed foods are often less nutritious than those found in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses. Also, they may contain high amounts of sugar, salt, and fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease. So this does not mean that you should completely give up a plant-based diet. Yes, but include whole and less processed foods in your diet as much as possible. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, nuts, and seeds can play an important role in keeping you healthy. Minimize the intake of processed foods and give priority to fresh, natural things.