Processed foods containing preservatives linked to cardiovascular disease and hypertension

A recent study conducted in France shows that people who frequently consume processed foods have a 16% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In the case of high blood pressure, the risk increases even further, by nearly 30%.

The preservatives used to extend shelf life are found in numerous commercially available products, including cold meats, packaged bread, and pastries. Doctors say that GP surgeries are currently full of patients dealing with these kinds of health problems.

Several patients interviewed say they avoid this type of food precisely because of the health issues they already have: "I rarely eat salami or anything processed," says one woman visiting her GP. Another patient explains: "My blood pressure is a little high and so is my cholesterol. I avoid salami and cold meats in particular, as well as processed meat."

Specialists recommend a diet based on fresh produce, with the Mediterranean diet cited as an example. Angela Mazdrag, a GP, stresses the importance of informing patients: "A very important point is educating patients about the diet they should be following."

Researcher Costel Vânătoru draws attention to the cumulative effect of substances found in processed foods: "It would be best to eat fresh produce and avoid processed foods as much as possible, because processing gives rise to substances that accumulate in the body over time. It would be better to enjoy produce in season, when it is natural."

Monica Mocanu, a specialist physician in diabetes, recommends turning to healthy fats: "For heart health, it would be beneficial to focus on healthy fats, which we can obtain from oil-rich foods, from walnuts and cashews eaten raw, and from fish."

Cardiologist Sebastian Andrei Păle adds a lifestyle tip: "The most important piece of advice is to avoid tobacco in any form — whether we are talking about vaping, heated tobacco, or traditional smoking — and physical activity should be done daily, for 30 minutes."

According to statistics, cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death in Romania last year, with approximately 125,000 cases.