New Study: Consuming Plant-Based Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality

Acrolein, a byproduct formed during manufacturing of some plant-based ultra-processed foods, triggers inflammation and damages heart tissue.
For every 10% increase in calorie intake from plant-based ultra-processed foods, there is a 5% increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a 12% higher risk of death from cardiovascular diseases.
New study links consumption of plant-based ultra-processed foods to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality.
Plant-based ultra-processed foods often contain unhealthy fats, added sugars, sodium, artificial sweeteners, and various additives and emulsifiers that can disturb good bacteria in the gut and lead to inflammation and thickening of blood vessels.
Whole plant foods were associated with a 7% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 13% lower risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease.
New Study: Consuming Plant-Based Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality

Recent studies have raised concerns about the health risks associated with consuming plant-based ultra-processed foods, such as vegan kebabs and other mock meats. These foods, while marketed as healthier alternatives to animal protein, can actually contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality.

According to research published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe journal, for every 10% increase in calorie intake from plant-based ultra-processed foods, there is a 5% increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a 12% higher risk of death from cardiovascular diseases. In contrast, whole plant foods were associated with a 7% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 13% lower risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease.

So what makes these plant-based ultra-processed foods so harmful? They often contain unhealthy fats, added sugars, sodium, artificial sweeteners, and various additives and emulsifiers that can disturb good bacteria in the gut and lead to inflammation and thickening of blood vessels. Some even contain acrolein, a byproduct formed during manufacturing that triggers inflammation and damages heart tissue.

It's important to note that not all plant-based foods are created equal. Whole plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and soybeans provide essential nutrients and fiber without the harmful additives found in ultra-processed varieties.

The UK Biobank study analyzed data from almost 127,000 participants over a median follow-up of nine years. The researchers found that whole plant foods were associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease and mortality, while plant-based ultra-processed foods were linked to higher risks.

It's crucial to be aware of the potential health risks associated with consuming plant-based ultra-processed foods and make informed choices about your diet. Opt for whole plant foods whenever possible, and limit your intake of processed alternatives.


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Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

78%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

What a Study on Ultraprocessed Fake Meat and Heart Disease Really Found

Scientific American Lori Youmshajekian Wednesday, 26 June 2024 09:50
  • Unique Points
    • A study published in The Lancet Regional Health–Europe linked plant-based ultraprocessed foods to an increased risk of cardiovascular-related illnesses and death.
    • Ultraprocessed foods undergo significant industrial transformation that alters their original ingredients.
    • The more ultraprocessed foods people consume, the higher their risk of heart disease and mortality.
    • Exact health effects of imitation meat products are less clear cut, but they have been linked to higher all-cause mortality and colon cancer in particular.
    • Chemical additives and contaminants in ultraprocessed foods may affect appetite and health. Acrolein, a contaminant, has previously been associated with higher cardiovascular disease risk.
  • Accuracy
    • ]A study published in The Lancet Regional Health[] linked plant-based ultraprocessed foods to an increased risk of cardiovascular-related illnesses and death.[
    • For every 10% increase in calorie intake from plant-based ultra-processed foods, participants had a 5% increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a 12% higher risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease.
  • Deception (35%)
    The article does not outright deceive the reader, but it does present a more complex story than what is initially suggested by the headlines. The study underpinning these claims did not specifically target meat substitutes but rather linked plant-based ultraprocessed foods as a whole to an increased risk of cardiovascular-related illnesses and death. This implies that the deception lies in the sensationalism and selective reporting of the study's findings, presenting a simplified narrative that implicates plant-based meat substitutes specifically rather than ultraprocessed foods more broadly.
    • Recent headlines denounced plant-based fake meat… as unhealthy and claimed that their consumption is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article provides a nuanced view of the study on ultraprocessed fake meat and heart disease, highlighting that it is not just plant-based meat substitutes that are an issue but rather ultraprocessed foods as a whole. The author also discusses the limitations of nutrition research and how food definitions used by scientists do not always reflect public perception of a plant-based diet. However, there are some instances of dichotomous depiction and inflammatory rhetoric in the article.
    • Plant-based ultraprocessed foods... include ones you might not expect... such as chocolate-covered biscuits, frozen pizza and sodas.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

83%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

These plant-based foods are bad for your health

The Star Unknown AGENCY Saturday, 22 June 2024 20:00
  • Unique Points
    • A new study suggests an association between the consumption of plant-based ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (5%).
    • Plant-based ultra-processed foods include packaged bread products, cookies, margarine, potato chips and certain beverages.
    • Cardiovascular disease is responsible for almost 18 million deaths worldwide every year.
  • Accuracy
    • The study focused on data from 118,397 participants aged 40 to 69 from the UK Biobank study, who were followed for an average of nine years.
  • Deception (50%)
    The article makes several deceptive statements. Firstly, it states that 'From heart health to cancer, weight management, and even the environment, the vegan diet seems to tick all the right boxes on paper at least.' This is an example of sensationalism as it implies that a vegan diet is perfect for all aspects of health and the environment without providing any evidence. Secondly, it states 'However, plant-based ultra-processed foods, such as packaged bread products, cookies, margarine, potato chips and certain beverages... appear to be an exception as these foods could actually be harmful to health.' This is a lie by omission as it fails to mention that the study in question only found an association between plant-based ultra-processed foods and increased risk of heart disease and premature death, not that they are inherently harmful. Lastly, it states 'This study shows that the dietary contribution of plant-sourced non-ultra-processed foods is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease.' This is selective reporting as it only mentions the positive findings of the study and fails to mention that all ultra-processed foods were also found to be associated with higher risks of heart disease and mortality.
    • Plant-based ultra-processed foods... appear to be an exception as these foods could actually be harmful to health.
    • From heart health to cancer, weight management, and even the environment, the vegan diet seems to tick all the right boxes on paper at least.
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (90%)
    The article states that plant-based ultra-processed foods, such as packaged bread products, cookies, margarine, potato chips and certain beverages are harmful to health and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death. The author does not provide any counterargument or evidence to support the benefits of these specific plant-based foods. This one-sided presentation can be considered as bias towards portraying plant-based ultra-processed foods in a negative light.
    • From heart health to cancer, weight management, and even the environment, the vegan diet seems to tick all the right boxes on paper at least. However, plant-based ultra-processed foods...appear to be an exception as these foods could actually be harmful to health...
    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
      None Found At Time Of Publication
    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
      None Found At Time Of Publication

    89%

    The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
    (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

    A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

    Why the vegan kebab may be harming your heart: Lancet study maps risks of ultra-processed plant-based foods

    The Indian Express Dr Nishith Tuesday, 18 June 2024 05:11
    • Unique Points
      • A recent study in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe found that for every 10% increase in calorie intake from plant-based ultra-processed foods, participants had a 5% increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a 12% higher risk of death from cardiovascular diseases.
      • Whole plant foods were associated with a 7% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 13% lower risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease.
      • These foods lose fibre, phytochemicals and water-soluble vitamins during processing.
      • They contain unhealthy fats to improve taste which can raise cholesterol levels.
      • Added sugar, sodium and artificial sweeteners are common in ultra-processed plant foods.
      • Sugar alcohol (xyltol, erithrytol) increases the risk of early heart attacks by causing blood platelets to become sticky and clump up.
      • Additives and emulsifiers in ultra-processed foods disturb good bacteria in the gut and lead to inflammation and thickening of blood vessels.
      • Acrolein, a byproduct formed during the manufacturing process of some ultra-processed foods, triggers inflammation and damages heart tissue.
    • Accuracy
      • For every 10% increase in calorie intake from plant-based ultra-processed foods, participants had a 5% increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a 12% higher risk of death from cardiovascular diseases.
      • Ultra-processed plant foods include frozen pizzas, pre-mixed meals, breakfast cereals, salty snacks and packaged breads.
    • Deception (70%)
      The author makes several statements that imply deception through selective reporting and emotional manipulation. The author states that 'many of you are having plant-based mock meat like seekh kebabs, keema or anything that replicates the flavour of the animal protein' and then goes on to say 'yet what everybody forgets is that these are ultra-processed packaged varieties, not whole plant foods'. This implies that those who consume plant-based mock meats believe they are eating healthy whole foods when in fact they are consuming ultra-processed foods. However, the author fails to mention that the study in question specifically looked at ultra-processed plant-based foods and not all plant-based foods. The author also states 'What is more revealing was the fact that whole plant foods were associated with a seven per cent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 13 per cent lower risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease'. This statement is emotionally manipulative as it creates a sense of urgency and importance around consuming whole plant foods, implying that anything else is harmful. The author also uses the phrase 'yet what everybody forgets' which implies that the reader is forgetting something important and therefore should trust the author's interpretation of the study. Additionally, the author makes several statements about ultra-processed plant-foods being harmful due to their lack of fiber, phytochemicals, and water-soluble vitamins. However, these statements are not directly related to the study and are instead based on the author's opinion.
      • Many of you are having plant-based mock meat like seekh kebabs, keema or anything that replicates the flavour of the animal protein that you gave up, thinking you are eating clean?
      • What is more revealing was the fact that whole plant foods were associated with a seven per cent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 13 per cent lower risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease.
    • Fallacies (85%)
      The article contains several examples of appeals to authority and inflammatory rhetoric. It also presents a dichotomous depiction of plant-based foods. The author uses strong language to criticize ultra-processed plant-based foods while promoting whole plant foods.
      • . . . yet what everybody forgets is that these are ultra-processed packaged varieties, not whole plant foods, and can be equal triggers of heart disease.
      • Researchers analysed data from almost 127,000 participants of the UK Biobank...
      • Ultra-processed plant foods lose fibre (which is so important to regulate cholesterol), phytochemicals and water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C, folate and riboflavin no matter how good the plant it is derived from.
      • New studies this year as well as in the past year have shown how sugar alcohol (xyltol, erithrytol) increases the risk of early heart attacks because it causes blood platelets to become sticky, clump up and form clots.
      • Many even fall for the preservative-free claims on labels. Such plant products may be preservative-free but still contain other types of additives or chemicals like artificial flavours and colours.
    • Bias (100%)
      None Found At Time Of Publication
    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
      None Found At Time Of Publication
    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
      None Found At Time Of Publication