Researchers from Loma Linda University in California identified a link between high intake of red meat and processed foods and an elevated risk of death. This topic was explored further in a magazine feature tied to findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
In their analysis, investigators examined the diets of more than 77,000 adults, including individuals who followed vegetarian patterns. After evaluating the impact of more than 200 foods on health and adjusting for risky behaviors, existing health conditions, and other influential factors, the researchers observed that roughly half of total daily calories came from processed items such as sausages, ready-made cereals, and other convenience foods, while only about 12.5 percent originated from such foods overall. The study reported a 14 percent higher rate of premature death among those with greater processed food consumption compared with individuals with lower intake. This finding aligns with broader concerns about how highly processed foods affect longevity and chronic disease risk.