European cardiologists have called for a reduction in the consumption of ultra-processed foods, stressing that home cooking, eating slowly, and avoiding late meals are among the best habits for protecting the heart.
In a new consensus statement issued by the European Society of Cardiology, experts warned that ultra-processed foods have become a "major public health concern" due to their association with rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure, as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
The statement explained that recent studies have shown a clear link between excessive consumption of these foods and an increased risk of heart disease, even among people whose diets appear generally healthy. However, experts noted that dietary guidelines provided in cardiology clinics still do not give sufficient attention to this type of food.
Experts called on doctors to encourage patients to prepare food at home more frequently, by helping them organize meals and providing practical nutritional advice, or referring them to nutritionists when needed.
The statement also recommended that patients focus on fiber-rich, minimally processed foods and eat slowly and mindfully, as this promotes satiety and reduces overindulgence in processed foods. It further emphasized the importance of avoiding late-night meals and maintaining regular mealtimes to improve dietary quality.
Experts pointed out that among the foods that should be limited as much as possible are sugary drinks, canned snacks, and processed meats, as they are among the most prominent sources of ultra-processed foods.
Luigi Guasti, one of the key contributors to the statement, said that ultra-processed foods, made from artificial ingredients and additives, are gradually replacing traditional diets.
For her part, Tracy Parker confirmed that current scientific evidence increasingly supports a link between diets rich in ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of heart disease.
She pointed out that reducing the consumption of foods such as cakes, biscuits and ready meals, in favor of preparing more home-cooked meals, is a practical step to improve the quality of the diet and support heart health, with the need to provide food policies that facilitate people’s access to healthier options that are less processed and contain less salt and sugar.
