A doctor has issued a warning about a type of food that he says could be more harmful to health than smoking if eaten regularly over time.
The warning is not about one specific meal but about ultra-processed foods, which include packaged snacks, sugary drinks, ready meals, and many fast food items.
These foods are often high in sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients while being low in nutrients and fiber.
Health experts say diets high in ultra-processed foods have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers, as well as a shorter life expectancy.
Some researchers believe poor diet, especially diets high in ultra-processed foods, is now one of the leading causes of early death worldwide.
Experts say the biggest problem is that many people eat these foods every day without realizing how much they rely on them.
Doctors recommend eating more whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fresh meals instead of heavily processed foods.
