Not All Ultra-Processed Foods Are Harmful — New AHA Guidance and What It Means for Thailand
A major new science advisory from the American Heart Association clarifies that while most ultra‑processed foods (UPFs) raise cardiometabolic risks, a limited group of packaged items — such as whole‑grain cereals, plain yogurt, canned beans and frozen vegetables — can fit into a healthy diet when chosen carefully and used to replace more harmful options. The advisory stresses nuance: the degree of industrial processing alone does not fully determine health risk, and public guidance should target UPFs high in saturated fat, added sugar and sodium while preserving affordable, nutritious packaged options for busy families (American Heart Association newsroom).