High Amounts of Ultra-Processed Foods May Increase Lung Cancer Risk by 41%

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) — formulations of food substances often modified by chemical processes and then assembled into ready-to-consume hyper-palatable food and drink products using flavors, colors, emulsifiers, and many other cosmetic additives — are often in the news for their effect on our health.

These products, which include carbonated soft drinks, mass-produced bread, confectionery, ice creams, sweet and savory snacks, and ready meals, make up around 60% of the energy consumed in the United States.

StudiesTrusted Source suggest that high UPF consumption may increase a person’s risk of several health conditions, including many types of cancerTrusted Source.

A new study has now linked high UPF intake with an increased risk of developing lung cancer.