Nutrition
Highly Processed Foods Linked to Heart Problems and Sleep Apnea
The health risks associated with eating processed foods can’t be overstated as research continues to reveal the toll they take on your health. Just last month, two studies linked the consumption of highly processed foods to cardiovascular and breathing problems.
The first study titled “Ultra-processed food consumption and risk of cardiovascular events: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis” was published on February 16, 2024, in the journal EClinicalMedicine. The study, done by Chinese researchers, found that consumption of highly processed foods, or ultra processed foods (UPF) as the researchers call it, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, particularly Coronary Heart Disease. In the conclusion, the study suggested:
Cardiologists and dietitians need to work together to give adequate attention and timely advice on the patients’ UPF intake.
The second study appeared on February 21, 2024, in ERJ Open Research under the title “Plant-based and vegetarian diets are associated with reduced obstructive sleep apnea risk.” The study was specifically designed to determine the association of plant-based dietary indices (PDI) with Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk. The study concluded:
Higher adherence to a healthy PDI is associated with reduced OSA risk, while an unhealthy plant-based diet has a positive association.
These studies validate the long-known relation between natural foods – like whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and nuts – and overall health. In his Self-Therapy Guide on Healthy Eating, Dr. Bob Rich explains how healthy eating really is a matter of life or death and not just in the physical sense.
