24-year study shows ultra-processed foods linked with colon cancer

High consumption of ultra-processed foods (upf) elevates the risk of developing early-onset colorectal cancer, particularly in younger adults, a study published November 13 in the journal jama Oncology shows. The study followed more than 29,000 female registered nurses for 24 years between 1991 and 2015 and found that “[t]hose with the highest quintile of upf intake had a statistically significant 45 percent higher odds of early-onset colorectal conventional adenomas compared with the lowest quintile.” The study correlated sugary drinks and packaged snacks to increased odds for colorectal cancer, which is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Experts emphasize that ultra-processed foods’ additives, high sugar content and low fiber may disrupt digestive health and cause inflammation. A dietary shift toward natural, whole foods can protect against this dangerous trend.