Study Reveals New Health Risk in Ultra-Processed Food
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted January 26, 2025
New research reveals that ultra-processed foods are even WORSE for our health than we imagined.
And the problem isn’t just the sugar, salt, and artificial ingredients.
There’s another sneaky threat lurking in convenience foods.
And it could multiply their health risks…
A recent study published in the journal Globalization and Health uncovered an alarming problem hiding in plain sight.
The research revealed that when combined with plastic packaging, ultra-processed foods create a perfect storm, putting your health at serious risk.
In fact, the very things that give these ultra-processed foods such a long shelf life—their high acidity or fat content—also make them more likely to absorb chemicals from their plastic packaging.
Picture an acidic soda sloshing around in its plastic bottle for months—or greasy snack chips marinating inside their shiny wrapper for weeks on end—absorbing chemicals the entire time.
The study uncovered some startling facts:
- Major food companies like Coca-Cola and Nestlé are among the world’s biggest plastic polluters.
- The longer processed foods sit in plastic packaging, the more chemicals can leach into them.
- Ultra-processed foods contain significantly more microplastics than minimally processed ones.
But here’s what’s really concerning: Many of these ultra-processed foods NEED plastic packaging to exist. It’s not just a convenience—it’s essential to their business model.
Many of these products simply couldn’t survive on store shelves without plastic.
So, what can you do to protect yourself? Start by choosing fresh foods over packaged…
- Choose whole fruits instead of fruit snacks
- Buy nuts and seeds from bulk bins using your own containers
- Choose fresh vegetables over frozen
Then, think about smarter ways to store your food…
- Transfer packaged foods to glass containers once opened
- Use stainless steel or glass water bottles
- Choose foods in glass jars or paper packaging rather than plastic
Finally, adjust how you prepare foods…
- Make your own snacks instead of buying packaged
- Use whole ingredients
- Pack lunches in reusable containers
Small changes can add up to significant reductions in your exposure to ultra-processed foods AND their plastic packaging.
Remember, every time you choose a whole food over an ultra-processed one, you’re not just avoiding artificial ingredients, you’re also reducing your exposure to potentially harmful plastic chemicals.
P.S. Dodge processed food damage with THIS surprising nutrient hack.
Source:
Yates, J., Kadiyala, S., Deeney, M. et al. A toxic relationship: ultra-processed foods & plastics. Global Health 20, 74 (2024).
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....
Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger
We all have that friend who brags about their four-hour-a-night sleep schedule like it’s some kind of superpower. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” they proclaim while chugging their third energy drink of the morning. Well, science has bad news for these sleep-skimping show-offs. You might be accelerating your appointment with the Grim Reaper far more...
Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging
Ever wonder why some of your high school classmates look like they’re aging much faster while others seem frozen in time? It’s not always just good genes or expensive creams—it could be what they’re ordering at the drive-thru. A troubling new study revealed that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline—it fast-forwards your biological...
The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood
You know salt gets a bad rap for raising blood pressure. But what if I told you it might be messing with your mood, too? According to a new study out of China, eating too much salt could trigger depression—not just through vague “bad diet” effects, but by activating specific immune cells in the brain....
Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin
You can spend hundreds—maybe even thousands—on anti-aging creams, lotions, and potions that promise to turn back the clock. But let’s be honest… most of them do little more than moisturize and smell nice. Now, a new study is turning that entire anti-aging skincare industry on its head—and the secret comes from an herb that’s been...
Let It Go—The Unexpected Freedom of “Fart Walks”
Ever notice your walk sometimes comes with some, well… unexpected sound effects? One step, two step, POOT! There’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for this natural phenomenon. Passing gas on your daily stroll is totally normal—and it means your digestive system is working well. Here’s what’s happening… Walking and other physical activities stimulate your digestive tract,...