Plant-based, ultra-processed foods increase the risk of cardiovascular disease

Nutritious, plant-based diets that emphasize foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains have been linked to a lower risk of heart attack, stroke and other types of cardiovascular disease.

However, if these plant foods are ultra-processed, they may do more harm than good when it comes to heart health.

A new study indicates that excessive consumption of plant-based, ultra-processed foods - including certain frozen pizzas, breakfast cereals, salty snacks and packaged breads, pastries and cookies - can increase the risk of heart disease by as much as 5 percent. the risk of death from heart disease by as ...