Ultra-processed foods are common in the American diet, and researchers have found their alarming health effects. Using national health data, researchers found that adults with the highest intake of these foods had a 47% higher risk of heart attack or stroke. The results remained valid even after accounting for age, smoking and income. Related studies showed that women consuming more ultra-processed foods were 39% more likely to have high blood pressure after 15 years of tracking 10,000 women[1][4]. Another analysis of 325,000 men and women revealed a 24% higher likelihood of cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke and angina, with higher consumption[1][4]. A 10% increase in daily consumption caused a 6% higher risk of heart disease[1][4]. Experts stress that reducing ultra-processed foods may be as important to public health as cutting down on tobacco.