Ultra-Processed foods should come with warning labels

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🗞️ Driving the news: Researcher Chris van Tulleken consumed a diet consisting of 80% ultra-processed foods as an experiment, finding profound negative health outcomes like significant weight gain, exhaustion, mood changes, and more

🔭 The context: Ultra-processed foods, which include products such as “fresh” supermarket breads, organic granola bars, and children's juices, are a growing concern due to their overwhelming presence in daily consumption

🌎 Why does it matter for the planet: These foods, laden with artificial ingredients and additives, are linked to a myriad of health issues, from cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression
• The high prevalence of these foods in diets means a vast number of people are at risk

⏭️ What's next: To combat the rise of ultra-processed foods, solutions proposed include clearer product labeling, limiting targeted marketing to children, and ensuring real food becomes more affordable and accessible

💬 One quote: "Every doctor should be required by law to declare outside income from food companies to government regulators — as should academics writing research papers on nutrition and charities advocating for policy." (Chris van Tulleken, Professor at University College London)

📈 One stat: Ultra-processed foods constitute over 60% of the average US adult’s diet, with the percentage being even higher for children

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