Ultra-processed foods

Heart and cardiovascular disease

Ultra-processed foods often contain trans fats and high levels of saturated fats, which can raise LDL cholesterol levels and lower HDL cholesterol levels. Elevated LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular disease. The high content of added sugars in many ultra-processed foods can lead to obesity, inflammation, and high blood pressure, all of which are risk factors for heart and cardiovascular disease. Ultra-processed foods often contain excessive amounts of sodium, which if consumed too often can lead to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.