(NewsNation) — According to a new study on the link between diet and major disease risk, there is no such thing as a “safe” amount of processed foods.
Researchers analyzed data from more than 70 previous studies on the relationship between ultraprocessed foods and the risks of three health issues: Type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer and ischemic heart disease.
The data showed that, when it comes to processed meats, people who ate as little as one hot dog a day had an 11% greater risk of Type 2 diabetes and a 7% increased risk of colorectal cancer than those who didn’t eat any.
It also found that drinking the equivalent of about a 12-ounce soda per day was associated with an 8% increase in Type 2 diabetes risk and a 2% increased risk of ischemic heart disease.
“This information provides critical data for public health specialists and policymakers responsible for dietary guidelines and potential initiatives that aim to reduce the consumption of these processed foods,” the researchers wrote.