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.

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