Eating junk food increases the risk of cancer

A new study has revealed that eating ultra-processed foods such as crisps and ice cream is associated with a greater risk of developing the disease, with females particularly at risk as the chance of passing away from ovarian and breast cancer is higher than other types of the condition.

Researchers from Imperial College London studied the diets of almost

200,000 people aged 40 to 69 over a decade but said that the UK study was not definitive proof that such foods cause cancer, although it does add to mounting evidence.

Dr Kiara Chang, first author for the study, said: "The average person in the UK consumes more than half of their daily energy intake from ultra-processed foods.

"This is exceptionally high and concerning as ultra-processed foods are produced with industrially derived ingredients and often use additives to adjust colour,  flavour, consistency, ­texture, or extend shelf-life.

Our bodies may not react the same way to these ultra-processed ingredients and additives as they do to fresh and nutritious, minimally processed foods."

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