Consumption of ultraprocessed foods linked to rising premature deaths
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KEY POINTS
The research highlights the urgent need for global action to reduce UPF intake through regulatory and fiscal policies that promote healthier dietary environments.
Lead investigator Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson emphasizes that UPFs, which are largely devoid of whole foods and rich in harmful additives, pose a serious health risk linked to various diseases and should be prioritized in public nutrition strategies.
A STUDY analyzing data from nationally representative dietary surveys and mortality data from eight countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United Kingdom, and United States) shows that premature deaths attributable to consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) increase significantly according to their share in individuals’ total energy intake. The new study, appearing in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, published by Elsevier, reinforces the call for global action to reduce UPF consumption, supported by regulatory and fiscal policies that foster healthier environments. UPFs are ready-to-eat-or-heat industrial formulations that are made with ingredients extracted from foods or synthesized in laboratories, with little or no whole foods in their composition. These have gradually been replacing traditional foods and meals made from fresh and minimally processed ingredients. Lead investigator of the study, Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson, DSc, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Brazil, says, “UPFs affect health beyond the individual impact of high content of critical nutrients (sodium, trans fats, and sugar) because of the changes in the foods during industrial processing and the use of artificial ingredients, including colorants, artificial flavors and sweeteners, emulsifiers, and many other additives and processing aids, so assessing deaths from all-causes associated with UPF consumption allows an overall estimate of the effect of industrial food processing on health.” ANI
KEY POINTSThe research highlights the urgent need for global action to reduce UPF intake through regulatory and fiscal policies that promote healthier dietary environments.Lead investigator Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson emphasizes that UPFs, which are largely devoid of whole foods and rich in harmful additives, pose a serious health risk linked to various diseases and should be prioritized in public nutrition strategies.A STUDY analyzing data from nationally representative dietary surveys and mortality data from eight countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United Kingdom, and United States) shows that premature deaths attributable to consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) increase significantly according to their share in individuals’ total energy intake.The new study, appearing in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, published by Elsevier, reinforces the call for global action to reduce UPF consumption, supported by regulatory and fiscal policies that foster healthier environments.UPFs are ready-to-eat-or-heat industrial formulations that are made with ingredients extracted from foods or synthesized in laboratories, with little or no whole foods in their composition.These have gradually been replacing traditional foods and meals made from fresh and minimally processed ingredients. Lead investigator of the study, Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson, DSc, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Brazil, says, “UPFs affect health beyond the individual impact of high content of critical nutrients (sodium, trans fats, and sugar) because of the changes in the foods during industrial processing and the use of artificial ingredients, including colorants, artificial flavors and sweeteners, emulsifiers, and many other additives and processing aids, so assessing deaths from all-causes associated with UPF consumption allows an overall estimate of the effect of industrial food processing on health.” ANISource: The Global New Light of Myanmar
Some foods can be incorporated into your diet every day to help you stay healthyRegistered dietician Reda Elmardi recommended adding berries to your dietHe also suggested adding yogurt for the sake of your gut health One of the most frustrating parts of being an adult is figuring out what to feed yourself everyday. And while you may be tempted to opt for a microwavable pizza every night, health experts want to make sure that you're incorporating nutritional foods into your diet.One way to do this is to try and put some key, healthy foods into your everyday diet. Luckily, most of the foods that nutritionists recommend eating on a daily basis are super common, and most likely already on your grocery list. Now, some dieticians and health experts warn against eating the same foods every day, but this typically applies to full meals. Registered dietician and nutritionist Shelley Balls told DailyMail.com, 'It limits variety which is crucial for overall health, especially gut health.' But that doesn't mean you can't take some really important foods and find ways to include them in your daily meals. In fact, there are a few foods that nutritionists themselves recommend eating everyday. Oats 'Oats are an excellent source of whole grains and contain plenty of fiber and nutrients that make them a healthy meal or snack, registered dietician Trisha Best told DailyMail.com.She said that these benefits can sometimes be overshadowed when people decide to add excessive sugar or calorie-dense toppings.But, when made with mix-ins like nuts, cinnamon, blueberries, strawberries, and bananas, they can be great options. 'The fiber in oatmeal keeps you feeling full for longer, which can prevent overeating throughout the morning. The whole grains keep your blood sugar stabilized, preventing spikes and dips that are associated with increased weight gain,' Best said.Basil Seeds You might assume 'chia seeds' if any seeds would be included in this list, but registered dietician Stacy-Roberts Davis said basil seeds are the way to go.'It's high in fiber, protein, iron and potassium. It's a better choice than chia seeds,' she said.She also explained that just two tablespoons of basil seeds has 15 grams of fiber in it - more than half of what your daily intake should be! Spinach You probably already know that you want to incorporate leafy greens into your diet, but did you know that spinach in specific is a great choice to eat every day? 'Spinach is packed with magnesium, iron and antioxidants, helping reduce inflammation, supporting muscle recovery and promoting relaxation - all of which aid in better sleep,' nutritionist and registered dietician Amy Shapiro said. Plus, spinach is a non-greasy vegetable - meaning that it won't cause you any stomach issues. Yogurt Registered dietician Reda Elmardi emphasized the importance of gut-healthy foods. 'Most people don’t realize that digestion impacts everything - mood, immunity, weight,' he said. That's why yogurt is on Elmardi's list of foods to eat every day. Yogurt is rich in probiotics, calcium, and protein. 'Trust me, your gut will thank you,' Elmardi said. Berries Whether you're more of a strawberry person or have an inclination toward blueberries, it doesn't matter. 'Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries - they fight inflammation, boost brain function, and keep blood sugar in check. Bonus: they taste amazing,' Elmardi said. He explained that adding berries to your everyday diet will help you age better and keep your heart healthy. Source: Mail Online
LIFESTYLE and health factors that are linked with heart disease appear to have a greater impact on cardiovascular risk in women than men, according to a study being presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session.While diet, exercise, smoking, and blood pressure have long been associated with heart disease risk, the new study is the first to indicate that these correlations are higher in women than in males.According to the researchers, the findings indicate that sex-specific screening or risk assessment methodologies could provide a more realistic picture of cardiovascular risk and better drive people to adopt heart-healthy habits.“For the same level of health, our study shows that the increase in risk [related to each factor] is higher in women than in men–it’s not one-size-fits-all,” said Maneesh Sud, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the department of medicine, interventional cardiologist and clinician scientist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto and the study’s lead author. “This is novel and something that hasn’t been seen in other studies.”The study focused on eight factors associated with heart disease: diet, sleep, physical activity, smoking, body mass index, blood glucose, lipids and blood pressure.Overall, the results showed that women were more likely to have fewer negative risk factors and more positive ones compared with men. However, women with more negative risk factors faced a more pronounced increase in their chance of a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular event compared to men with a similar risk factor profile.“We found that women tend to have better health than men, but the impact on outcomes is different,” Sud said. “The combination of these factors has a bigger impact in women than it does in men.”The researchers analyzed data from over 175,000 Canadian adults who enrolled in the Ontario Health Study between 2009-2017. None of the participants had heart disease at baseline and about 60 per cent were women. Each participant was classified as having ideal or poor health in terms of each of the eight risk factors, and these scores were combined to calculate an overall risk factor profile as poor (fewer than five positive factors or more than three negative factors), intermediate (five to seven positive factors) or ideal (ideal across all eight factors). During a median follow-up period of just over 11 years, researchers tracked the incidence of seven heart disease outcomes–heart attack, stroke, unstable angina (chest pain that results from restricted blood flow to the heart), peripheral arterial disease (narrowed blood vessels in the arms or legs), heart failure, coronary revascularization (procedures to open blocked arteries) and cardiovascular death–among participants in each of the three groupings.- ANISource: The Global New Light of Myanmar
ONCE deemed overshadowed by Japanese anime and US animation, Chinese animation is now experiencing a surge in popularity, especially among younger audiences.With improved storytelling, advanced visual effects, and a seamless integration of traditional Chinese culture, the industry is rapidly gaining recognition at home and abroad.A recent survey conducted by China Youth Daily among 7,232 university students revealed that 40.64 per cent actively follow popular domestic animation films and series, while 30.35 per cent check for new releases on a weekly basis.This growing interest is reflected in the success of major box office hits, including “Ne Zha 2,” which grossed over 15.08 billion yuan (about US$2.1 billion) in box office revenue and stormed into the global box office top 5, cementing Chinese animation’s place in the global animation industry.Most respondents attribute this rise to the ability of Chinese animated works to blend traditional cultural elements with modern cinematic techniques, which 81.1 per cent of surveyed students identified as a key factor in their interest.Nearly 45 per cent believed that the technology used in Chinese animation is on par with international standards.Recalling the release of “Chang An” and “Deep Sea”, both widely acclaimed Chinese animated films, Huang Ziyi, a student at Wuhan University, felt as if the poems from her textbooks had come to life. “The adaptations based on history were well-executed and felt authentic, bringing the audience closer to the stories.”In recent years, driven by both technological advancements and a focus on Chinese cultural storytelling, the quality of Chinese animation has improved significantly. According to the survey, 67.78 per cent of university students shared this view.“For instance, the movie ‘Chang An’ used AI to recreate the texture of Tang Dynasty architecture, providing a visual representation of poetic imagination. Meanwhile, ‘Ne Zha 2’ reinterpreted a classic myth through the lens of modern family dynamics, proving that technology should ultimately serve cultural expression,” said Chen Yanyu, a Jiangxi University of Technology student.“I believe Chinese animation can carve out its own space in the industry,” Huang remarked. She noted that while Japanese anime often focuses on youthful romance and American animation emphasizes individual heroism, China has a vast pool of untapped storytelling potential. — XinhuaSource: The Global New Light of Myanmar
NEARLY 60 per cent of all adults and a third of all children in the world will be overweight or obese by 2050 unless governments take action, a large new study said Tuesday.The research published in the Lancet medical journal used data from 204 countries to paint a grim picture of what it described as one of the great health challenges of the century.“The unprecedented global epidemic of overweight and obesity is a profound tragedy and a monumental societal failure,” lead author Emmanuela Gakidou, from the US-based Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), said in a statement.The number of overweight or obese people worldwide rose from 929 million in 1990 to 2.6 billion in 2021, the study found.Without a serious change, the researchers estimate that 3.8 billion adults will be overweight or obese in 15 years — — or around60 per cent of the global adult population in 2050.The world’s health systems will come under crippling pressure, the researchers warned, with around a quarter of the world’s obese expected to be aged over 65 by that time.They also predicted a 121-percent increase in obesity among children and adolescents around the world. A third of all obese young people will be living in two regions -- North Africa and the Middle East, and Latin America and the Caribbean -- by 2050, the researchers warned.But it is not too late to act, said study co-author Jessica Kerr from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Australia. “Much stronger political commitment is needed to transform diets within sustainable global food systems,” she said.That commitment was also needed for strategies “that improve people’s nutrition, physical activity and living environments, whether it’s too much processed food or not enough parks,” Kerr said.Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
The Pyu era, spanning from the 2nd century BCE to the 9th century CE, was a golden age in Myanmar’s history, marked by the rise and prosperity of the Pyu city-states. These early civilizations, flourishing in present-day central Myanmar, were not only pioneers of urban culture but also masterful creators of art, particularly in sculpture. The artistic legacy of the Pyu offers a fascinating glimpse into their religious devotion, societal structure, and aesthetic sensibilities.Myanmar took great strides to secure international recognition for its three ancient Pyu cities—Halin, Beikthano (Vishnu), and Sriksetra—culminating in their designation as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among them, Sriksetra stands as the heart of Pyu artistic expression, where a remarkable collection of sculptures and architectural wonders still whisper the stories of a bygone era. With the arrival of Buddhism, artistic production in the Pyu cities flourished, leaving behind an enduring visual culture that reflects their deep spiritual beliefs.This study delves into the different types of Pyu pagodas, aiming to preserve the historical significance of these ancient structures for future generations. A descriptive approach is used to illustrate the forms of Pyu-era pagodas, while an analytical method is employed to classify their distinctive architectural styles, particularly those found in Sriksetra. The pagodas and stupas of the Pyu period, scattered across the ancient landscape, exhibit diverse designs—cylindrical stupas, round stupas, and temple structures—all of which have been meticulously examined in this research.By tracing the evolution of Pyu pagodas, we uncover their deep-rooted influence on the architectural marvels of the later Bagan era. These early masterpieces serve as the precursors of Myanmar’s grand pagodas, bridging the artistic heritage of the Pyu civilization with the timeless elegance of Bagan’s temple city. Through this exploration, we reaffirm the enduring significance of Pyu art and architecture, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire and captivate generations to come.Influences and ThemesThe Pyu sculptural tradition was deeply influenced by Indian art, particularly from the Gupta and post-Gupta periods. Buddhism played a central role in Pyu society, which is reflected in their sculptures' predominant themes. Statues of the Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and various deities were commonly created, often displaying characteristics of early Southeast Asian Buddhist art. Hindu influences were also present, as seen in sculptures depicting Vishnu, Shiva, and other Hindu deities.Materials and TechniquesPyu sculptors primarily worked with stone, bronze, and terracotta. Stone sculptures, often crafted from sandstone, were used to create large statues and relief carvings found in temples and stupas. Bronze casting was another prominent technique, used to produce intricate Buddha images and ritual objects. Terracotta plaques adorned temple walls, featuring scenes from Jataka tales and other religious motifs.Iconography and StylesPyu sculptures exhibit a blend of indigenous and foreign styles. The Buddha statues from this era are characterized by serene expressions, elongated earlobes, and draped robes, reflecting Indian artistic traditions. Some sculptures display stylistic similarities with the Amaravati and Gupta schools of art, evident in the soft modeling of figures and elegant poses. However, local adaptations can be observed, particularly in facial features and decorative elements, which distinguish Pyu art from its Indian counterparts.Notable DiscoveriesSignificant archaeological findings related to Pyu sculpture art have been unearthed in ancient Pyu cities such as Beikthano, Halin, and Sri Ksetra. Bronze Buddha images, intricately carved stone reliefs, and terracotta votive tablets are among the most notable discoveries. These artifacts are now preserved in museums, including the National Museum of Myanmar, offering a glimpse into the artistic sophistication of the Pyu civilization.Legacy and InfluenceThe artistic legacy of the Pyu era laid the foundation for later Burmese art, particularly in the Pagan (Bagan) period. Many stylistic elements introduced during the Pyu era continued to evolve, shaping the artistic traditions of Myanmar for centuries. The sculptures of this ancient civilization not only serve as a testament to their artistic prowess but also provide crucial historical and cultural insights into early Myanmar.In conclusion, the sculpture art of the Pyu era represents a rich blend of indigenous creativity and external influences. As archaeological research continues, further discoveries may shed even more light on the artistic achievements of this fascinating period in Myanmar's history.Reference - The Artistic Monuments of Pyu in Ancient Sriksetra by Khaing Khaing Saw- https://www.metmuseum.org/- https://www.originalbuddhas .com/Source: Thawdar Eain (NP News)
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