In recent years, the spotlight has intensified on ultra-processed foods and their potential impact on human health. As convenience foods dominate supermarket shelves and fast-food chains proliferate, researchers are uncovering alarming links between UPF consumption and a myriad of health issues. Common examples include: Soft drinks and sugary beverages Packaged snacks and cookies Ready-to-eat meals Processed meats like hot dogs …
Humans have been processing food for thousands of years. We found that, on average, adolescents consumed 861 grams of UPFs per day, which made up 66% of their daily total energy intake. Younger adolescents consumed more UPFs – for example, 13-year-olds received 68% of their calories from UPFs compared with 63% for 18-year-olds – as did those with parents in …
