Junk veggie food and its impact on health

Plant-based diets refer to diets that are based on foods made from plants, and include vegetarian and vegan diets.

While vegan diets exclude all animal products, vegetarian options — which exclude just meat and fish — are more diverse and may include dairy and eggs. Pescatarian diets exclude meat, but not fish.

Plant-based diets continue to grow in popularity worldwide owing to decades of scientific research and the mounting evidence of their potential health benefits, not limited to improved blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Furthermore, increased awareness of the environmental impact of animal rearing, such as high levels of greenhouse gases, land degradation, and excessive water have also motivated some people to adopt plant-based diets, which can be more environmentally friendly.

However, there are some health risks associated with some plant-based diets, particularly if there is high consumption of “junk” veggie foods.

What are ‘junk’ plant-based foods?

By definition, ultra-processed foods are food products that contain minimal whole foods, are high in calories, added sugar, salt, and fats, offer little nutritional value, and have been processed with cheap industrial additives.

Health risks

Ultra-processed foods offer convenience, continue to replace minimally processed whole foods, and now account for more than half of the daily intake of calories for many individuals in middle- and high-income countries.

While a healthy and balanced plant-based diet is diverse, the frequent consumption of plant-based ultra-processed foods is associated with negative health outcomes.

For instance, in a 2019 cohort study that followed 105 159 adults over a 5-year period, the researchers observed that even a 10% increase in the consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

This small increase in ultra-processed foods is also associated with a higher risk of developing some cancers, type 2 diabetes, and increased exposure to harmful chemicals from food packages.

In addition, calorie intake is reportedly higher in plant-based diets that are rich in ultra-processed foods, which may lead to weight gain and a greater potential for developing obesity.

To compound the negative health risks associated with diets rich in ultra-processed foods, vegetarian and vegan diets can exclude food groups, making nutrient deficiencies more common.

Overall, some studies have shown that vegetarians and vegans have lower levels of nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Furthermore, a 2022 study showed that vegetarian women have an increased risk and occurrence of hip fractures compared to women who occasionally consume meat.

It is possible that these adverse outcomes are linked to the omission of iron- and B12-rich meats, and calcium-rich animal sources in vegetarian and vegan diets. These problems may be compounded by individuals not replacing those nutrient sources with fruits, vegetables, nuts, and pulses, and eating ultra-processed foods instead.

How to avoid these health risks

Well-planned vegetarian or vegan diets consistently offer several health benefits, and they can safeguard against nutrient deficiencies and adverse health risks associated with diets rich in ultra-processed plant-based foods.

Not only do plant-based diets promote longevity, but they may reduce muscle loss — also called sarcopenia — in older people with obesity.

They are also safe during pregnancy and lactation as long as they fulfill nutrient requirements, as well as during physical performance.

Nutritionally balanced and well-planned plant-based diets more closely adhere to U.S. dietary recommendations and improve overall diet quality.

Therefore, not all plant-based diets are associated with negative health risks, but it is important to note that following a healthy overall eating pattern is essential for managing risks the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. – Source: Medicalnewstoday.com

Did you know?

Processed

Ultra-processed foods continue to replace minimally processed whole foods, and pose adverse health risks.

Health tip

Stack up on fruits, non-starchy vegetables, whole grains

Health precaution tip

Make sure to read nutrient labels.

Consult with a registered dietitian to learn which foods will help you to meet your nutrient needs. .

STATS

“Junk” plant-based products:

• commercially-produced breads, pastries, cakes, and cookies

• carbonated beverages

• pre-packaged snacks

• flavored dairy drinks

• breakfast cereals

• energy bars

• instant sauces, soups, noodle pots, and desserts.