Ultra-Processed Diets Linked to Higher Heart Disease Risk, Study Finds

A diverse U.S. cohort from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis found that each daily serving of ultra-processed foods increases heart-disease risk, with Black Americans facing about a 6.1% per-serving rise versus 3.2% for other groups. Those with the highest ultra-processed intake averaged ~4 servings per day and were ~67% more likely to develop heart disease. Foods like chips, white bread, pizza, soda and candy made up about 28% of daily intake. While the findings reinforce known risks of ultra-processed diets and highlight disparities tied to food access and environment, they show association, not causation, and call for improved access to affordable, healthy options.