BBC doctor reveals foods to stop eating to 'avoid 60% of diseases'
A doctor has revealed the foods you should cut out to have a healthier diet. According to Dr Chris van Tulleken, there are some foods which are linked to 60 per cent of diet-related illnesses.
This includes conditions such as heart disease, various cancers, hypertension, fatty liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease and depression. Some foods have also been linked with unhealthy blood fat levels, irritable bowel syndrome, dementia, and frailty.
Speaking on the Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett, Dr van Tulleken said people should eliminate ultra-processed foods (UPFs) from their diet. These foods are 'industrially manufactured substances' that can trigger inflammation in the body, he said.
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Dr van Tulleken also pointed out that most people's typical diet is made up of about 80 per cent UPFs, which can lead to serious health issues. Some foods are designed to be highly addictive, making them more difficult to resist than even nicotine.
The doctor said that research indicates poor diet has overtaken tobacco as a primary contributor to early deaths around the world, Mirror reports. UPFs include common kitchen staples such as bread, cereal, cookies, desserts, dairy items and sauces.
He said: "If it comes in plastic packaging and contains at least one ingredient that you wouldn't typically use in your own cooking, it's considered a UPF." Dr Chris van Tulleken is a specialist in infectious diseases and a prominent science presenter for the BBC.
He has featured in programs like The Doctor Who Gave Up Drugs, Trust Me, I’m A Doctor, and Operation Ouch! He also wrote the Sunday Times bestselling book Ultra-Processed People.
He holds a medical degree from Oxford and earned a PhD in molecular virology from UCL. Dr van Tulleken revealed concerning statistics, noting that 75 per cent of the world's calories are sourced from just six large food companies.
He added: "In the UK, 80 per cent of calories for one in five people come from ultra-processed foods. Children's lifespans are affected, being 9cm shorter compared to other countries."
The expert also warned that a diet consisting of 80 per cent ultra-processed foods leads to significant weight gain. But it can also lead to changes in brain connectivity associated with habit and reward and disrupted hormonal responses to meals.
This could potentially contribute to mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. Dr van Tulleken said that poverty plays a significant role in unhealthy eating habits.
By tackling poverty, we could potentially resolve about 60 per cent of health problems and diseases linked to diet. Removing ultra-processed foods from your diet can benefit your health and weight, as well as help balance your metabolism and appetite.
It can reduce your risk of chronic diseases linked to unhealthy eating, such as cardiovascular issues and dementia, by as much as 60 per cent. According to Dr van Tulleken, traditional diets found in regions like East Asia, South Asia, and the Arctic are linked to better health.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, and nuts is best - such as the Mediterranean diet. This incorporates moderate portions of lean proteins, including fish and chicken, along with low-fat dairy products.
Olive oil is preferred over other oils and fats. Studies indicate that this dietary approach may help reduce inflammation and so lower the likelihood of certain health issues.
Research from 2022 also points to the Mediterranean diet having a low Dietary Inflammatory Index. A statement on Harvard Health's website reads: "The Mediterranean diet is ranked high among doctors and dietitians, and for good reason.
"Studies show it protects against diseases linked to inflammation, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. And, because it includes a variety of foods, the Mediterranean diet is relatively easy to follow and stick with."