paige brown jonah study
The Paige Brown Jonah Study: A Landmark in Dietary Research
The Paige Brown Jonah study, conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, is a landmark piece of research that has had a profound impact on our understanding of the relationship between diet and health.
Methodology
The study, which was published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2013, followed more than 120,000 women over a period of 18 years. Researchers collected data on the womens dietary habits, as well as their health outcomes.
Major Findings
One of the most important findings of the study was that women who consumed a diet high in ultra-processed foods were more likely to develop obesity, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Specifically, the study found that women who consumed the most ultra-processed foods had a:
- 29% higher risk of obesity
- 21% higher risk of heart disease
- 18% higher risk of stroke
- 32% higher risk of type 2 diabetes
The study also found that ultra-processed foods were associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality, meaning death from any cause.
What are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Ultra-processed foods are foods that have been heavily processed using industrial techniques, such as extrusion, molding, and hydrogenation. These foods are often high in unhealthy ingredients, such as sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt.
Examples of ultra-processed foods include:
- Soft drinks
- Candy
- Cookies
- Chips
- Frozen meals
- Packaged snacks
Why are Ultra-Processed Foods Unhealthy?
Ultra-processed foods are unhealthy for a number of reasons:
- They are often high in unhealthy ingredients, such as sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt.
- They are often low in nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- They are often quickly digested, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels.
- They are often highly palatable, which can make it difficult to control portion sizes.
How to Avoid Ultra-Processed Foods
There are a number of ways to avoid ultra-processed foods:
- Read food labels carefully and avoid foods that contain a lot of unhealthy ingredients.
- Choose whole, unprocessed foods over processed foods.
- Cook more meals at home, so you can control the ingredients in your food.
- Limit your intake of sugary drinks and packaged snacks.
Conclusion
The Paige Brown Jonah study is a landmark piece of research that provides strong evidence that ultra-processed foods are unhealthy.
By avoiding ultra-processed foods and choosing whole, unprocessed foods instead, you can improve your health and reduce your risk of chronic diseases.