With more and more people turning to plant-based diets, whether for health, environmental, or ethical concerns, many studies are being conducted on the pros and cons of these diets. Now, a new study suggests that switching to a vegetarian diet may have an undesirable side effect: eating more highly processed foods.
According to IFL Science, In the new study, scientists looked at the consumption of ultra-processed food, as well as “less processed food” in nearly 200,000 people who participated in the British Biobank project.
The researchers found that vegetarians ate more ultra-processed foods (about 1.3 percent) compared to regular red meat eaters. Vegans or vegetarians also ate slightly more highly processed foods (1.2 percent) compared to regular red meat consumers; Although this difference was not significant.
Researchers see it as important to promote policies that encourage the transition to more sustainable diets
The results of the study show that the consumption of ultra-processed food is more in vegetarian diets and less in diets with a moderate amount of meat or fish.
Researchers see it as important to promote policies that encourage the transition to more sustainable diets. At the same time, policies should also support a move towards consuming less processed foods that are healthier and have a lower environmental impact. Adopting a healthy approach to food policy is good for both our health and the planet.
The problem is that many people on plant-based diets in industrialized countries don’t just eat fresh fruits and vegetables. They often choose meat substitutes, convenience foods, and other convenience foods instead of meat. These supermarket options can be loaded with calories, saturated fat, salt, sugar, and various additives.
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Obviously, eating highly processed foods has the ability to negatively affect people’s health. A previous study found that eating large amounts of processed plant foods may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease compared to less processed plant foods. Of course, the issue of food processing is complicated.
Defining “ultra-processed foods” is rather difficult. A common classification system called NOVA is commonly used to classify foods based on the type of processing they undergo. However, there is still debate among experts as to what exactly counts as “ultra-processed”.
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According to Nova’s classification, the definition of ultra-processed foods is: “Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations that are completely or mostly from substances extracted from foods (oils, fats, sugars, starches and proteins), derived from the main constituents of the food (hydrogenated fats and modified starches) ), or synthesized in laboratories from food precursors or other sources Organic (flavor enhancers, color and several food additives used to make a super tasty product) are formulated.”
Highly processed foods often include foods such as frozen pizza, instant noodles, prepackaged burgers, hot dogs, packaged chocolates such as KitKat and Snickers, sugary breakfast cereals, sugary soft drinks, and more. These types of foods go through several stages of processing and often include other additives to keep them fresher for a while or to enhance their taste or look more attractive.
The study does not mean that plant-based diets are inherently unhealthy. Conversely, studies have shown that following a well-planned vegetarian diet may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer. Also, a wide range of studies have shown a clear connection between high consumption of red meat and high risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and even premature death.
The study does not mean that plant-based diets are inherently unhealthy
Health issues and problems associated with red meat consumption are more often associated with eating highly processed products such as hot dogs, bacon and sausage, rather than eating high-quality, unprocessed red meat such as fresh beef. Processed meats have more harmful additives, salt and preservatives that may lead to health problems. In contrast, unprocessed red meat may not have the same negative health effects if consumed in moderation.
The main message from research like the new study is that even if the definitions are somewhat vague, ultra-processed foods in general are unlikely to be good for our health; Whether it is processed vegetable or meat food. If you’re following a plant-based diet in your lifestyle, it’s important to remember that you may gravitate towards processed foods instead of focusing on fresh, whole foods, which are usually healthier, due to convenience and easy access. Paying attention to this point can help you maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
The new study is published in the journal eClincalMedicine.
