Cardiologist Warns: ultra-Processed Foods Pose a grave Threat to Western Health
A growing body of evidence suggests that ultra-processed foods are a major contributor to a range of chronic diseases, and one cardiologist is sounding the alarm. Many individuals overestimate their commitment to a healthy lifestyle, failing to scrutinize the daily products they consume, perhaps jeopardizing their well-being.
Dr. josé Abellán, a cardiologist specializing in hemodynamics and a prominent voice on social media sharing health content, recently advised on nutrition during an appearance on the ‘Mercamadrid’ podcast.He emphasized the insidious nature of these foods, which can appear harmless despite posing notable health risks.
“A harmful food can be camouflaged behind a pretty appearance and packaging that is pleasing to consumers when all that glitters may not be gold,” Abellán cautioned. He explained that ultra-processed foods increase the risk of disease, but identifying them requires awareness.
According to Abellán, “The worst evil in the Western diet is surely ultra-processed foods.” He stressed that these items should be avoided whenever possible, reserved only for infrequent, special occasions. To clarify what constitutes an ultra-processed product, Abellán provided concrete examples.
“We are talking about pastries, chocolate and all that product, which I don’t even want to call food, which is made with parts of other products and on top of it with another substance. An example would be a cookie,” he stated. These items are not simply modified ingredients; they are constructed from components stripped from whole foods and combined with artificial additives.
Experts universally agree on the dangers of these products, advocating for dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet, which prioritizes locally sourced, whole foods. Abellán went further, asserting that ultra-processed products should be entirely removed from homes – both refrigerators and pantries.
“It is something that we should not have in our homes because it increases the risk of suffering from diabetes, hypertension, increased cholesterol, obesity and over time cardiovascular disease,” he warned.
The detrimental effects of ultra-processed foods stem from their composition. Typically high in salt and sugars,they cause rapid glucose spikes in the body,contributing to the development of diseases like diabetes. furthermore, they promote the accumulation of abdominal fat, which, according to the Spanish Association Against Cancer, increases the risk of cancer.
[Image of ultra-processed foods: freepik]
What makes these foods particularly risky is their ability to bypass our natural satiety signals, leading to overconsumption and a cascade of negative health consequences. A shift towards prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods is crucial for safeguarding long-term health and well-being.
News Report Summary:
Why: Cardiologist Dr. josé Abellán warns that ultra-processed foods are the “worst evil” in the Western diet, significantly increasing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. These foods are dangerous due to their composition (high in salt and sugar) and their ability to override natural satiety signals.
Who: Dr. José Abellán, a cardiologist specializing in hemodynamics, is the primary source. The Spanish Association against Cancer is also referenced regarding the link between abdominal fat and cancer risk.The report also references general consensus among experts.
What: The report details the dangers of ultra-processed foods – defined as products
