The Claim

Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with each 10% increase in ultra-processed food intake linked to a 12% higher risk of overall cardiovascular disease and a 13% higher risk of coronary heart disease.

Source: Ultra-processed foods, lifestyle management, and cardiovascular diseases: A clinical consensus statement of the European Society of Cardiology Council for Cardiology Practice and the European Association of Preventive Cardiology of the European Society of Cardiology.

What the research says

Roughly balanced

Support and challenge are close. The picture may shift as more studies come in.

Supports
2score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Correlation
1 study reviewed
In plain English

People who eat more ultra-processed foods have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. For every 10% increase in ultra-processed food intake, the risk of cardiovascular disease rises by 12% and the risk of coronary heart disease rises by 13%.

See the scientific wording

Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with each 10% increase in UPF intake linked to a 12% higher risk of overall cardiovascular disease and a 13% higher risk of coronary heart disease, as demonstrated in large prospective cohorts.

Why this might work

Eating ultra-processed foods damages the gut lining, allowing bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream, which triggers chronic inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation, combined with excess sugar and fat from these foods, causes the liver to make more bad cholesterol and fat, raises blood pressure, and makes the body less responsive to insulin. These changes damage blood vessel walls, cause fatty plaques to build up, and lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: Ultra-processed foods, lifestyle management, and cardiovascular diseases: A clinical consensus statement of the European Society of Cardiology Council for Cardiology Practice and the European Association of Preventive Cardiology of the European Society of Cardiology.

    People who eat more ultra-processed foods like chips and sugary drinks have a higher chance of heart disease, and this study confirms that for every 10% more of these foods eaten, heart disease risk goes up by about 12% — even after considering other eating habits.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

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Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.