A recent study found that consuming ultra-processed foods may increase the risk of men developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
This type of food, which is characterized by high levels of sugars, fats and salt, is linked to a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer, according to previous studies.
In the study, researchers compared the diets of approximately 77,951 British men over the age of 45 over a period of ten years, 7,387 of whom were diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
The results showed that a 10% increase in ultra-processed food consumption was associated with a 4% higher risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Conversely, the researchers found that a 10% increase in consumption of unprocessed plant foods was associated with a 9% decrease in the risk of developing the disease.
Researchers from Peking University Hospital in Shenzhen, China, and other centers explained that this is the first study to directly link ultra-processed foods with the risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), noting that these foods may negatively affect prostate health.
They pointed out that a high proportion of ultra-processed foods in the diet may promote chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, which may contribute to prostate enlargement, in addition to the possibility of effects resulting from metabolic disorders.
They explained that these foods contain high levels of fats, sugars and sodium, but lack fiber, vitamins and beneficial bioactive compounds, which may lead to metabolic imbalances.
Professor Raj Persad, a consultant urologist and andrologist at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, said the study is important and shows a link between a diet rich in ultra-processed foods and an increased likelihood of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
He added that this disease is more common than prostate cancer, and may cause troublesome symptoms that require drug treatment or surgery, which may entail costs and side effects.
He stressed that the results suggest that reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods may be a simple and effective step to reduce health risks, although the study does not prove a direct causal relationship.
He concluded by saying that adopting a healthy and balanced diet remains the best option, given the broad scientific consensus that these foods may harm public health.
