In a new study, scientists looked at the consumption of ultra-processed food, plus “minimally processed food” across nearly 200,000 people who have participated in the UK Biobank project.

In a new study, scientists looked at the consumption of ultra-processed food, plus “minimally processed food” across nearly 200,000 people who have participated in the UK Biobank project.

Here lies the problem: many people eating plant-based diets in the industrialized world don’t solely eat a balanced variety of fresh vegetables and fruits. When trying to avoid meat, well-intentioned consumers can also opt for meat substitutes, prepared ready meals, and other “convenience foods” that are often loaded with more calories, saturated fat, salt, sugar, and all kinds of additives.