Doctor Dai Xiao Fu, director of Wen Hsin Clinic in Taoyuan City, recently warned against the growing consumption of "ultra-processed foods" found in convenience stores. She highlighted that prolonged, high intake of these foods increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and significantly raises the risk of death from stroke. This warning is supported by a large-scale 2024 study on three generations in the US, which found a direct correlation between a higher proportion of ultra-processed foods in the diet and increased risk of cardiovascular, coronary artery diseases, and stroke rates.

Taiwan's dense network of convenience stores offers maximum convenience for busy modern individuals. Many office workers regularly consume all three daily meals from these establishments.

Doctor Dai's concern arose during a snack purchase, where she found the ingredient list more complex than expected. Beyond basic elements like sugar, oil, and flour, these products often contain chemical compounds: flavorings, emulsifiers, thickeners, sweeteners, colorings, and preservatives. She explained that ultra-processed foods undergo extensive industrial processing and are loaded with additives, losing their original form and inherent nutritional value. Common items in this hazardous category include biscuits, instant noodles, flavored milk, sugary drinks, processed meats, and microwaveable desserts.

Illustration: Udn.

Despite the widespread availability of convenience foods, Doctor Dai advises against complete avoidance. Instead, processed foods should not be the primary component of daily meals. To protect health and prevent early risks, consumers should actively adjust their diet. This includes reducing sugary drinks and flavored milk, replacing them with plain water or unsweetened tea. Limiting fatty snacks, fried foods, and processed meats like sausages is also important. For main meals, prioritize "original foods"—those retaining their initial form, such as fresh vegetables, whole cuts of meat, and eggs—to ensure natural nutrition.

Binh Minh (According to United Daily News)