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A 30-year-long U.S. study found that consuming UPF is associated with a higher risk of early death.
- The risk was especially associated with products like ready-to-eat meats, sugary drinks, dairy desserts, and processed breakfast foods.
- However, researchers also clarified that not all UPF should be universally restricted, but findings support limiting certain types for long-term health.
- Researchers used the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI) score to assess overall dietary quality.
- AHEI, developed by the Harvard School of Public Health, assigns ratings to foods and nutrients predictive of chronic disease.
About UPF
- UPFs are a category of food products that have undergone extensive processing and contain significant amounts of additives (like preservatives, artificial flavors, and emulsifiers).
- They are often High in fat, Sugar, and Salt (HFSS) and low in Vitamins, protein, and fiber. For example, snacks, sodas, etc.
- Their increased consumption may lead to various health issues including hypertension, renal failure, obesity, fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
- UPF food sector in India witnessed a compounded annual growth rate of 13.4% between 2011 and 2021 and is expected to grow further (WHO).
Challenges in curbing UPF consumption in India
- Changing lifestyle and dietary patterns.
- Absence of a clear definition and coverage of HFSS food.
- Lack of comprehensive advertisement and marketing regulations.
Indian Initiatives to Curb UPF Consumption:
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