Which ultra-processed foods are linked to cancer?

Consuming ultra-processed foods like mass-produced bread and chicken nuggets may increase the risk of cancer, according to a new study in the British Medical Journal.

Researchers found that increasing the amount of ultra-processed foods consumed by just 10% is linked to a 12% increase in some types of cancer.

Ultra-processed foods are, according to The Guardian, food items made in “factories with ingredients unknown to the domestic kitchen”. Such foods include Pot Noodle, ready meals, cakes and confectionery containing high levels of additives, preservatives, flavourings and colourings – and often high levels of sugar, fat and salt.

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No significant link was found between cancer rates and high consumption of “less processed foods including canned vegetables, cheese and fresh bread”, Sky News reports.

Cancer Research UK says that being overweight is the biggest preventable cause of the disease after smoking.

Clean eating fans argue that prevention is all about eating better-quality food. Several other studies have also shown that limiting your consumption of ready meals and fast food can reduce life-threatening conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as certain types of cancer.