Ultra-processed foods are made of mostly substances extracted from foods, with additives like artificial colors and preservatives.
These include hot dogs, instant ramen, cookies, and soft drinks.
Some estimates have found that ultra-processed foods comprise 73% of the American food supply.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
I think that diets really matter.
Why Might Ultra-Processed Foods Increase Cancer Risk?
Ultra-processed foodsare often affordable, convenient, and tasty.
But having an ultra-processed diet comes with two potential problems: excess calories and insufficient fiber.
The two diets contained roughly the same nutrition profiles.
Dietary patterns packed with ultra-processed foods also tend to contain less fiber, Castro added.
But processing doesnt mean the foods are less nutritious.
For example, hummus, canned beans, and pesto are all classified as ultra-processed.
Theyre also associated with the development of gastrointestinal, prostate, and breast cancer in humans.
Can Improving Your Diet Reduce Cancer Risk?
Theres no one food or food group that can cure cancer or reduce cancer risk, she said.
Its more about the overall dietary pattern.
Consider speaking with a trusted healthcare provider about your specific risk for cancer.
They can help you create realistic goals for dietary or lifestyle changes you could make to reduce your risk.
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