The Alarming Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods on Heart Health in Canada

Introduction to the Issue

Canadians are consuming alarming amounts of ultra-processed foods, such as nuggets, fries, and soda, which have been directly linked to nearly four in 10 heart disease and stroke events, including deaths, according to a new study. Funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the research reveals that ultra-processed food and drink account for over 40% of the total daily energy intake among Canadians aged 20 and older. Virginie Hamel, a registered dietitian and PhD candidate at the Université de Montréal who worked on the study, emphasizes that these foods are a significant contributor to the burden of heart disease and stroke in Canada.

The study, the first of its kind in Canada, estimates that 37% of all new coronary heart disease and stroke cases, as well as 38% of all deaths from these conditions in 2019, could be attributed to the consumption of ultra-processed foods. This translates to 96,043 new cases of heart disease and stroke and 17,417 deaths in Canada that year alone. Men were found to be more affected than women.

Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods are defined as products that undergo multiple manufacturing processes, such as extrusion, moulding, and milling, and contain numerous added ingredients. These foods are highly manipulated and tend to be high in unhealthy components like sugar, salt, and fat. They are also low in essential nutrients and contain various additives that can harm health. Examples of ultra-processed foods include soft drinks, chips, chocolate, candy, ice cream, sweetened breakfast cereals, packaged soups, and hot dogs.

While processed foods, such as cheese, tofu, simple bread, and canned beans, involve some level of preparation and packaging, they are generally less altered and retain more of their natural nutrients compared to ultra-processed foods. Ultra-processed foods are designed to be highly palatable, which can lead to overeating and weight gain, further increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The growing evidence of health risks

This new research adds to a growing body of evidence linking ultra-processed foods to harmful health outcomes. A study published in the Neurology medical journal in May 2024 found that a 10% increase in ultra-processed food consumption was associated with a 9% higher risk of stroke, even among individuals with no prior history of stroke. Another study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) in May 2024 revealed that people who consumed an average of seven servings of highly processed foods per day over 34 years had a higher risk of mortality compared to those who averaged only three servings per day.

In February 2024, a review of hundreds of epidemiological studies published in the BMJ found that higher exposure to ultra-processed foods was associated with an increased risk of 32 damaging health outcomes, including cancer, major heart and lung conditions, mental health disorders, and early death. These findings underscore the urgent need to address the widespread consumption of ultra-processed foods and their impact on public health.

The Impact of Reducing Ultra-Processed Food Consumption

The study also explored the potential benefits of reducing ultra-processed food intake. It found that if Canadians cut their consumption of these foods by half, it could result in 45,914 fewer new cases of cardiovascular disease and 8,314 fewer deaths from these conditions each year. Even a 20% reduction in consumption could save 3,000 lives annually. On the other hand, a 50% increase in ultra-processed food consumption would lead to 19,979 additional cases of heart disease and stroke and 3,489 more deaths.

Hamel stressed that while reducing ultra-processed food consumption is ideal, it is not always easy for individuals to make healthier choices. She advocates for stronger policies to improve Canada’s food environment, such as restricting the marketing of ultra-processed foods to children, implementing taxes on sugary drinks, and providing subsidies for fresh fruits and vegetables. These measures could nudge Canadians toward healthier eating habits and save thousands of lives.

Promoting Healthier Food Choices

The study highlights the critical role of public policy in addressing the nation’s reliance on ultra-processed foods. By creating an environment that supports healthier choices, governments can help reduce the burden of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, public education campaigns can raise awareness about the risks associated with ultra-processed foods and provide practical tips for identifying and avoiding them.

For individuals, making informed food choices is key. Recognizing the signs of a stroke, such as face drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty (remembered by the acronym FAST), and seeking immediate medical attention can save lives. By prioritizing whole, nutrient-rich foods and limiting the intake of ultra-processed products, Canadians can significantly lower their risk of cardiovascular diseases and improve their overall health.

In conclusion, the study serves as a wake-up call for Canadians to reassess their diets and for policymakers to take action. The alarming link between ultra-processed foods and heart disease and stroke is a reminder that small changes to our eating habits, combined with systemic efforts to promote healthier options, can have a profound impact on public health. By working together, we can create a healthier future for generations to come.