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Share on Pinterest For people with type 2 diabetes, the negative effects of eating too much ultra-processed foods may cancel out the benefits of healthy eating, such as following a Mediterranean diet. zepp1969/Getty Images The Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fiber and healthy fats and low in sugar, is currently viewed as one of the best diets for people with type 2 diabetes. But a new study suggests that the negative effects of a diet rich in ultra-processed foods may outweigh the benefits of following a Mediterranean diet. Ultra-processed foods refer to food items that have been heavily processed and contain several food additives. A new study suggests that people with type 2 diabetes should not be focusing only on the fiber, fat, and sugar contents of their food but reduce or eliminate ultra-processed foods from their diet. Current advice for managing type 2 diabetes mostly focuses on eating foods high in fiber, healthy fats, and low in sugar. Two specific diets are often recomm...

Share on Pinterest Scientists are still trying to define and classify ultra-processed foods. Darren Muir/Stocksy The USDA has devised an experimental, nutritionally complete, seven-day meal plan consisting almost entirely of ultra-processed foods. However, a range of ultra-processed foods have been extensively linked to chronic health issues. The diet scientists created also fell short in terms of meeting certain nutritional needs, such as vitamin D and E. The definition of what qualifies food as “ultra-processed” remains unresolved. For the last 20 years, Americans have continually consumed more industrially manufactured foods, growing from 53.5% of their daily calories in 2001 and 2002 to 57% in 2017 to 2018. These foods are often referred to as “ultra-processed foods,” or “UPF.” There is evidence that these foods are linked to chronic diseases , and — being formulated for flavor, cost, and an extended shelf life — may not provide adequate nutrition. Scientists at the United States ...