Researchers from Florida Atlantic University analyzed data from 4,787 adult Americans.
The figures come from the national health survey NHANES conducted between 2021 and 2023.
The study, published in The American Journal of Medicine, shows that individuals with the highest intake of ultra-processed foods had a 47 percent higher risk of having experienced a heart attack or stroke compared with those who consumed the least.
The researchers accounted for differences in age, gender, ethnicity, smoking habits, and income. Nevertheless, the association remained clear.
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What is ultra-processed food?
Ultra-processed foods include products such as soft drinks, pre-packaged snacks, and processed meat.
They are manufactured in factories and often contain added sugar, fat, salt, and additives.
Previous studies have shown that high consumption is also associated with obesity, high blood pressure, and inflammatory conditions in the body.
These factors increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Need for more knowledge
The researchers emphasize that the findings represent a statistical association. The study cannot prove that the food directly causes disease.
They also point out that similar dietary patterns may be relevant to other illnesses, including colorectal cancer, which is on the rise in the United States.
The results contribute to the growing body of evidence on how diet quality can influence the risk of serious disease.
Sources: SciTechDaily, and The American Journal of Medicine.
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