The more ultra-processed foods you eat, the higher your risk of lung cancer, according to a study by American researchers who analyzed data from more than 100,000 people. Their article is published in the journal Thorax.
The study included participants in the large-scale PLCO project — more than 100,000 men and women aged 55 to 74. Scientists analyzed their eating habits, highlighting the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF): carbonated drinks, convenience foods, fast food, sausages, sweets, and ready-made sauces.
The results were alarming: Those who consumed the most UFAs (an average of about 6 servings per day) had a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer compared to those who ate the least (about 0.5 servings per day). The risk of non-small cell lung cancer was increased by 37 percent, and small cell lung cancer by 44 percent.
The authors emphasize that their data does not yet prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship. However, UPFs tend to be nutrient-poor, high in salt, sugar, and fat, and contain potentially harmful compounds produced during industrial processing, such as acrolein, which is also found in tobacco smoke.
