Processed Food Under the Microscope
Ultra-processed food and men’s health are now firmly connected in new research. A recent study shows these foods can harm young men’s heart and reproductive health, even without higher calorie intake.
The findings, published in Cell Metabolism, examined 43 men aged 20 to 35. Researchers tested the effects of diets high in ultra-processed food compared to diets with almost none.
What Counts as Ultra-Processed?
Ultra-processed foods are industrially made products significantly altered during manufacturing. They include frozen pizza, chips, packaged snacks, sugary cereals, and soft drinks. In Canada, they account for about half of the average diet.
Participants rotated between three-week diets high in ultra-processed food and nearly unprocessed diets, with a three-month break in between. Both groups had the same levels of protein, fat, and carbs, ensuring calorie intake matched.
The Surprising Weight and Cholesterol Impact
Despite equal calories, men on ultra-processed diets gained significantly more weight and showed worse cholesterol levels. Lead author Jessica Preston admitted the results were unexpected, with weight differences averaging more than a kilo.
She explained the body processes ultra-processed food differently. Factors such as fibre content, nutrient quality, and metabolic response all affect how energy is absorbed and stored.
Beyond Calories: Inflammation and Metabolism
Interestingly, even switching to unprocessed food briefly caused short-term inflammation, likely due to sudden dietary changes. Still, researchers say taking a break from ultra-processed food can benefit metabolism, fertility, and heart health.
Fertility Takes a Hit
The study revealed that men consuming ultra-processed food had lower sperm quality, weaker motility, and reduced testosterone. For men hoping to become fathers, Preston emphasized that lifestyle and diet choices matter more than often believed.
She urged men to see diet as a tool to improve reproductive health, breaking the stereotype that men don’t care about fertility.
Balanced Perspective on Diet
Preston cautioned against extreme takeaways. Eliminating ultra-processed food entirely is nearly impossible, even for short periods. Instead, she encouraged choosing less-processed alternatives whenever possible.
Her conclusion: the level of processing should be a key factor in everyday food decisions. Even small swaps can improve long-term health.
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