Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to 47% Higher Cardiovascular Risk in New U.S. Study
Groundbreaking research reveals alarming health consequences of ultra-processed food consumption, from cardiovascular disease in adults to concerning additives in baby foods, while Mediterranean diet shows protective benefits.
Adults Eating Most Ultra-Processed Foods Face 47% Higher Heart Attack and Stroke Risk
Research published in The American Journal of Medicine reveals that adults with the highest intake of ultra-processed foods face a 47% higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those consuming the least. The Florida Atlantic University study analyzed data from 4,787 U.S. adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, finding this elevated risk remained significant even after adjusting for age, sex, race, smoking status, and income.
Ultra-processed foods are heavily altered industrial products containing added fats, sugars, starches, salts, and chemical additives like emulsifiers. Common examples include sodas, packaged snacks, and processed meats. These foods make up nearly 60% of the average adult diet in the United States and about 70% of children's diets. During manufacturing, many natural nutrients are removed, leaving foods very different from their original form.
According to lead author Dr. Charles Hennekens, First Sir Richard Doll Professor of Medicine at FAU Schmidt College of Medicine, the findings have major implications for future research, clinical care, and public policy. Previous research has linked high UPF consumption to metabolic syndrome, including obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, and elevated inflammation markers that predict future cardiovascular disease.
Mediterranean Diet Associated with 18% Lower Stroke Risk in 21-Year Study of Women
Women who follow a Mediterranean-style eating pattern face significantly lower stroke risk, according to research published February 4, 2026, in Neurology Open Access, a journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study of 105,614 women found that those with the highest adherence to Mediterranean diet principles were 18% less likely to experience any type of stroke over 21 years of follow-up.
The protective effect extended across stroke types: women following the diet most closely showed a 16% lower risk of ischemic stroke (caused by blocked blood flow) and a 25% lower risk of hemorrhagic stroke (caused by ruptured blood vessels). The Mediterranean diet emphasizes vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish, and healthy fats like olive oil while limiting dairy, red meat, and saturated fats.
Researchers tracked 4,083 strokes during the study period, including 3,358 ischemic strokes and 725 hemorrhagic strokes. According to study author Dr. Sophia Wang of City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, the findings support mounting evidence that healthy diet is critical to stroke prevention, with particular significance for hemorrhagic stroke, which few large studies have examined. The strongest benefits appeared in women who ate more plant-based foods, fish, and olive oil while reducing red meat and saturated fat intake.
71% of U.S. Baby Foods Are Ultra-Processed, Containing Twice the Sugar of Less-Processed Options
A peer-reviewed study published in the journal Nutrients found that 71% of baby food products sold in U.S. grocery stores are ultra-processed, raising concerns about infant nutrition during a critical developmental window. Researchers analyzed 651 infant and toddler food products from the top 10 U.S. grocery retailers, identifying over 105 unique additives including flavor enhancers, thickeners, emulsifiers, and colors.
Nearly three-quarters of all baby food products contained additives, making them the most common ingredient category. Ultra-processed baby foods contained nearly twice as much sugar on average as non-ultra-processed products, with added sugars found exclusively in ultra-processed items. The disparity was especially pronounced in snacks and finger foods, where ultra-processed products contained 2.5 times more sugar per serving than similar non-ultra-processed options.
According to the Environmental Working Group, which publicized the findings, early childhood is a particularly sensitive period since food exposures during these years may shape taste preferences and eating habits that persist for years. High intake of sugary, calorie-dense foods early in life has been linked to heart and metabolic conditions in children. The study also revealed that nearly 99% of new food chemicals enter the market through a regulatory loophole allowing companies to declare ingredients "Generally Recognized as Safe" without FDA safety review.
What You Can Do
Read the Full Cardiovascular Study
Access the peer-reviewed research published in The American Journal of Medicine examining ultra-processed foods and heart disease risk.
Explore Mediterranean Diet Stroke Research
View the complete 21-year study published in Neurology Open Access on Mediterranean diet and stroke prevention in women.
Review Baby Food Study Details
Read the full peer-reviewed study in Nutrients journal and EWG's analysis of ultra-processed ingredients in infant foods.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult healthcare professionals before making dietary or health changes.