Researchers have made a startling discovery that ultra-processed foods may be linked to an increased risk of precancerous polyps in women under 50, according to a new study published in JAMA Oncology.
The study, which followed 29,105 nurses over nearly two decades, found that those who consumed the most ultra-processed foods - defined as packaged or processed items with few whole ingredients - were more likely to develop precancerous polyps, including adenomas and serrated lesions. In fact, women who ate an average of three ultra-processed food servings per day had a 3% risk of developing these growths, while those who consumed 10 or more servings per day were at a 5% risk.
The study's findings have significant implications for the growing concern about colon cancer, with colorectal cancers often starting as precancerous polyps. While only about 5% of adenomas are cancerous, a staggering 75% of these cancers develop from these growths.
Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical contributor to CBS News and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News, notes that while ultra-processed foods do not have a set definition, they often include packaged items with few whole ingredients. "You don't see many good ultra-processed foods," she warns. "The more you eat, the worse it is for your health."
Researchers believe that the link between ultra-processed foods and precancerous polyps may be due to changes in the gut microbiome caused by these processed foods. Gounder explains that consuming ultra-processed foods can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to inflammation and increased permeability of the gut wall.
While more research is needed to fully understand the impact of ultra-processed foods on health, the study's findings are a stark reminder of the importance of making informed food choices. As Gounder notes, "if you can't pronounce an ingredient on the package, it is probably an ultra-processed food."
The study, which followed 29,105 nurses over nearly two decades, found that those who consumed the most ultra-processed foods - defined as packaged or processed items with few whole ingredients - were more likely to develop precancerous polyps, including adenomas and serrated lesions. In fact, women who ate an average of three ultra-processed food servings per day had a 3% risk of developing these growths, while those who consumed 10 or more servings per day were at a 5% risk.
The study's findings have significant implications for the growing concern about colon cancer, with colorectal cancers often starting as precancerous polyps. While only about 5% of adenomas are cancerous, a staggering 75% of these cancers develop from these growths.
Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical contributor to CBS News and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News, notes that while ultra-processed foods do not have a set definition, they often include packaged items with few whole ingredients. "You don't see many good ultra-processed foods," she warns. "The more you eat, the worse it is for your health."
Researchers believe that the link between ultra-processed foods and precancerous polyps may be due to changes in the gut microbiome caused by these processed foods. Gounder explains that consuming ultra-processed foods can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to inflammation and increased permeability of the gut wall.
While more research is needed to fully understand the impact of ultra-processed foods on health, the study's findings are a stark reminder of the importance of making informed food choices. As Gounder notes, "if you can't pronounce an ingredient on the package, it is probably an ultra-processed food."
like who knew?!? So basically, those ladies who eat 3+ servings a day are at 3% risk of getting these growths & if they eat even more, that risk goes up to 5%! 
I mean, I'm not surprised though. All that packaged junk we're always snacking on is like, super bad for us 
And now it's like, science says so too! 
Like, the study says these processed foods can mess with our gut microbiome & lead to inflammation which sounds scary af 
So yeah, I think this is a major reminder to be mindful of what we're putting in our bodies 
gotta cut back on all that processed food ASAP.
And now they're linking it to precancerous polyps? Yeah, that's just creepy 
. I remember my aunt had colon cancer back in the day and it was a real nightmare to deal with. The thought of all these ultra-processed foods being the culprit is just disturbing 
. What really gets me is how they're saying "if you can't pronounce an ingredient on the package, it's probably ultra-processed". Like, come on! Can't we just read labels and make informed choices? 
It's not rocket science, folks 
. Anyway, I hope more research comes out of this to warn people about the dangers of processed foods 
.
like, we already knew they were bad 4 u but now theres proof they might actually give u precancerous polyps? 
seriously though, 3 servings a day is just 1-2 packs of chips or something 
. I mean, think about it - we're already living in a world where processed foods are so prevalent that it's hard to avoid them, and now we find out they're linked to cancer? It's like the system is just enabling people's bad habits, rather than providing real solutions. And don't even get me started on how the definition of ultra-processed foods is being kind of... murky 
. I mean, what exactly counts as an ultra-processed food? Is it really that hard to make a simple list? We need more accountability from our policymakers and food industry, not just vague warnings about "making informed choices". And let's be real, how many people are actually going to change their diets based on some abstract risk factor when the profit margins for those processed foods are so high 
? It's time for us to demand better.
. I've heard of how important gut health is for overall well-being. When we eat foods that are high in processed ingredients, it can throw off the balance of good bacteria and lead to inflammation - yikes!
. We should try to focus on eating whole, nutrient-rich foods as much as possible, and limit those ultra-processed snacks that can really do harm. It's all about balance and making informed decisions for our health 
. gotta take care of myself, you feel? 
WE'RE CONSUMING SO MUCH OF THIS CRAP AND IT'S TAKING A TOLL ON OUR BODIES. 3% RISK OF DEVELOPING PRECANCEROUS POLyps AT JUST 3 SERVINGS PER DAY?!?! THAT'S LIKE, WHAT, A FREE CHANCE AT GETTING CANCELED?! 
. At least now we have some ammo (or should I say, ingredients?) to fight back against the 'food industry' 