Scientists find some ultra-processed foods might be ‘healthy’

• A new study indicates that the nutritional quality of food may be more significant than its level of processing.
• Researchers suggest that advising the public to completely avoid ultra-processed foods (UPF) could inadvertently reduce diet quality, as many processed items like canned beans or fortified cereals can be beneficial.
• The findings are based on an analysis of dietary data from over 200,000 individuals in the US, tracked across several decades.
• The study found that the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and death was primarily linked to the overall quality of a person's diet, regardless of whether foods were ultra-processed or minimally processed.
• Experts recommend prioritising nutrient-dense, high-quality foods and focusing on a healthy overall diet rather than solely on the degree of food processing.

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Three ultra-processed foods that can be beneficial for a healthy diet