India, Aug. 16 -- Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) account for nearly 60% of adults' and 70% of children's energy intake in the United States, a recent study has unveiled.

These industrially manufactured products - such as soft drinks, packaged cereals and snacks, and processed meats - are made with refined fats, oils, sugars, starches, salts and other additives that can enhance flavour, texture, and shelf life while reducing nutritional value.

Growing evidence links higher consumption of UPFs to a range of health problems. Research has identified several potential biological pathways through which UPFs may contribute to cancer, reads the Florida Atlantic University website.

These include metabolic disruption, inflammation, oxidative stres...