Ultra-Processed Foods Pose Growing Threat To Heart Health, Warn Cardiologists

If your heart skips a beat every time you spot a packet of chips, instant noodles, or sugary drinks on a supermarket shelf, it may be time to rethink those cravings—especially if you want to protect your heart for the long run.

A new report published in the European Heart Journal has found that adults consuming the highest amounts of ultra-processed foods face up to a 19% higher risk of cardiovascular disease, a 13% greater risk of atrial fibrillation—a potentially serious heart rhythm disorder—and nearly a 65% increased risk of death from cardiovascular causes compared with those consuming the least.

The findings add to mounting global evidence that ultra-processed foods are affecting far more than body weight and blood sugar levels.

Over the past decade, research has progressively linked these foods to hypertension, chronic kidney disease, fatty liver disease, metabolic disorders, certain cancers, and depression. Cardiologists now say the heart is emerging as one of the most vulnerable organs affected by long-term exposure to industrially processed diets.

"These foods are no longer occasional treats. They have become part of daily consumption patterns, especially in urban households," said Prof. Luigina Guasti of the University of Insubria, Italy, one of the lead authors of the report. "The evidence increasingly suggests that ultra-processed foods contribute simultaneously to several chronic diseases."

Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations manufactured using refined ingredients, preservatives, emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, flavour enhancers, and chemical additives. Common examples include packaged snacks, sugary breakfast cereals, instant noodles, soft drinks, processed meats, frozen ready-to-eat meals, and fast-food products.

Researchers say the health concerns extend beyond excessive calories, sugar, or fat content. The industrial processing itself, along with the additives and altered food structure, may be disrupting normal metabolic and inflammatory pathways in the body.

Doctors involved in the study noted that UPFs contribute to cardiovascular disease through multiple mechanisms. High salt levels can elevate blood pressure, while excessive sugar and unhealthy fats increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and abnormal cholesterol levels—all major risk factors for heart disease.

At the same time, emerging evidence suggests that additives and compounds formed during processing may trigger chronic inflammation and disturb the gut microbiome, the complex network of microorganisms essential for metabolism and immunity.

"There is increasing evidence that these foods interfere with normal biological functions," said Dr. Marialaura Bonaccio, one of the researchers associated with the report. "The health impact appears to go beyond nutrient composition alone."

Scientists also point out that ultra-processed foods are specifically engineered to encourage repeated consumption. Many are designed to be rapidly eaten, highly palatable, and instantly rewarding, often bypassing the body’s natural satiety signals. This can result in overeating and excessive calorie intake even when nutritional value remains poor.

The report comes at a time when consumption of packaged convenience foods is rising steadily across the world, including India. In several European countries, more than half of daily calorie intake reportedly comes from ultra-processed foods. Health experts say similar trends are increasingly visible in India’s urban centres, particularly among adolescents, students, and working professionals.

Rapid urbanisation, busy lifestyles, aggressive advertising, and easy availability of packaged products have all contributed to changing dietary habits. Traditional home-cooked meals are gradually being replaced by ready-to-eat or ready-to-cook alternatives that require minimal preparation.

Public health experts warn that this shift may have long-term implications for India, which is already witnessing a sharp increase in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart ailments.

Cardiologists say one major concern is that existing dietary advice often focuses narrowly on nutrients such as protein, calories, or fat while paying insufficient attention to the degree of processing involved.

"A product may appear healthy because it is marketed as high-protein, low-fat, or fortified with vitamins, but excessive industrial processing may still make it harmful," one expert associated with the report observed.

The researchers are now urging physicians to routinely discuss ultra-processed food intake during patient consultations, especially among those with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, or existing cardiovascular conditions.

"India is witnessing one of the fastest rises in ultra-processed food sales globally, making it a serious public health concern," said Dr. Arun Gupta, a paediatrician who was the co-author of a three-paper Lancet series on UPFs published last year.

He stressed the need for stronger government regulation on the production, advertising, and labelling of such foods, along with improved access to healthier alternatives.

Sonali Khan, Managing Trustee of the Sesame Workshop India Trust, said the growing concern around ultra-processed foods underlines the importance of building healthy eating habits early in life.

"Children’s food choices are shaped by the routines and environments they are exposed to every day. Through our healthy habits programme, we aim to help children and carers develop a practical understanding of balanced meals, mindful eating, and daily habits that support long-term well-being," she said.

The importance of disciplined dietary habits from an early age is also reflected in the experiences of public figures. Popular television actor Rajeev Khandelwal, 50, has often attributed his fitness and health to childhood eating habits rooted in simple, home-cooked food and an aversion to junk food. He has spoken about preferring sprouts, amla, seasonal fruits, and vegetables, while planning meals in advance to avoid unhealthy food choices.