Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleElla PickoverThursday 07 May 2026 01:27 BSTAre ultra-processed foods bad for you? | DecomplicatedEuropean heart specialists are calling for heart patients to be explicitly advised to prioritise home cooking and significantly reduce their consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs).A new consensus statement from the European Society of Cardiology links UPFs to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressur and overall cardiovascular risk.The guidance recommends that patients adopt healthier eating habits, such as eating more slowly and avoiding late-night meals.The specialists note that UPFs are often “unrecognised” in current dietary advice given in heart clinics and offer tips for medics on how to counsel patients.Doctors are advised to encourage home cooking, mindful eating and to specifically warn against UPFs like sugary drinks, packaged snacks and processed meats.In fullHeart patients urged to ditch ultra-processed foods, eat slowly and cook at homeThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in