How Ultra-Processed Foods Impact Your Health

9. Additives and preservatives

There is not a lot of research about the effects of additives and preservatives on human health, but some studies have uncovered some correlations. Eating ultra-processed foods may increase the risk of irritable bowel syndrome, and some artificial sweeteners may alter the gut biome and contrbute to obesity.

Diets high in nitrates, which are found in processed meats, may increase the risk of colon cancer. While a diet high in ultra-processed foods leads to a higher cancer risk overall, it is undetermined whether this is due to additives or other factors.