From Straight Arrow · · 1m 40s
Why ultraprocessed foods and infections affect health
New study shows ultraprocessed foods alter metabolism, infections cause 12% of global cancers.
In brief
New study shows ultraprocessed foods alter metabolism, infections cause 12% of global cancers. Diets high in ultraprocessed foods may worsen metabolic health, while infections account for 12% of worldwide cancer cases. Originally reported by Straight Arrow.
Ultraprocessed foods and metabolism
A new study found ultraprocessed meals caused larger insulin responses and higher blood sugar levels than minimally processed meals.
“Researchers gave 57 healthy adults two meals: one made primarily from ultraprocessed foods and another from minimally processed foods.”
Infections linked to 12% of cancers
Infections cause about 12% of global cancer cases, including stomach bacteria, HPV, hepatitis B and Epstein-Barr virus.
“A new global analysis found that roughly 12% of cancers, or about 2.3 million cases, diagnosed worldwide in 2024 were attributable to infections.”
Common cold viruses rising
Rhinoviruses and enteroviruses, the most common cold viruses, are increasing across the U.S. this fall.
“CDC surveillance shows that rhinoviruses and enteroviruses, the most frequent cause of what we call “the common cold”, are increasing across the U.S.”
Russia plague case
A Russian lab worker died after a possible plague infection, sparking health concerns.
“You may have seen alarming headlines about a possible plague infection in Russia after a young scientist who studies dangerous pathogens suddenly died.”
Flu vaccines and mRNA
Most flu vaccines do not use mRNA technology, but Moderna's mFLUSIVA is an mRNA option approved for adults 50 and older.
“The FDA approved it on Aug 5, 2026, for adults 50 and older.”
Infection-related cancers
H. pylori, HPV, hepatitis B and Epstein-Barr virus account for most infection-related cancer cases worldwide.
“Four accounted for the vast majority of cases: the stomach bacterium H. pylori; human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and Epstein-Barr virus.”
Preventable cancer risks
Cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccines can prevent infection-related cancers before they develop.
“We also have vaccines against HPV and hepatitis B.”
Common cold symptoms
The common cold causes congestion, sore throat, coughing and sneezing, but can trigger asthma attacks in vulnerable groups.
“For most people, the common cold brings a few unpleasant days of congestion, sore throat, coughing and sneezing.”
Infection prevention
Early detection and treatment of infections like H. pylori can prevent cancer development.
“H. pylori can be detected and treated with antibiotics.”
Cancer prevention tools
Vaccination, screening and treatment can prevent infection-related cancers before they develop.
“Cervical cancer screening can identify precancerous changes caused by HPV infection before they become cancer.”
Why ultraprocessed foods matter
Processing itself may influence how our bodies respond to food, even when nutrition labels look similar.
“That's intriguing because it suggests there may be something about how food is processed, its physical structure, ingredients or the way our bodies digest and absorb it, that matters beyond its nutrients.”
What happens next
Further research is needed to determine if short-term metabolic differences from ultraprocessed foods lead to chronic disease.
“It’s important to note this was a small experiment testing what happened after a single 300-calorie meal.”
The short version
Diets high in ultraprocessed foods may worsen metabolic health, while infections account for 12% of worldwide cancer cases.
