PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — There’s new evidence that the bag of chips or frozen dinner you may be heating up will put you in an early grave.

A team of international researchers looked at the results of dozens of studies done over the last three years on about 10 million people and determined ultra-processed foods are raising the risk of physical and mental illness. Their research is published in the British Medical Journal.

“It concerns me a lot only because this is stuff that I have in my everyday,” said Crystal Washington, who recently lost more than 130 pounds and is very careful about what she eats.

10 On Your Side showed her the list of ultra-processed foods as determined on the NOVA food classification system.

“Pre-prepared, packaged meats, fish and vegetables that is very shocking to me,” Washington said.

Ultra-processed foods account for up to 58% of total daily energy intake in the United States, according to the latest research. The research also associates these foods with about a 50% increase in the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and about a 50% higher risk of anxiety and other mental disorders.

“When we’re not eating really good quality nutritious foods, we don’t feel as good, and that can effect us mentally,” said Old Dominion University Campus Dietitian Tracy Conder.

Conder warned that eating foods with added sugar, salt and other flavors, often lead to over-consumption, which can lead to obesity and type two diabetes.

“It’s some of the stuff that’s convenient, that’s the problem,” said WAVY executive producer David Craft. “It’s all the convenient, prepackaged, quick to eat things.”

Busy people like Craft struggle to find the time and energy to cook everyday.
Conder said you don’t need to.

“I always use the concept of cook once eat twice — so I’m going to use that chicken from last night on a salad or make a quesadilla,” Conder said.

Her other advice? Make small snack swaps.

For instance, eat plain yogurt instead of flavored. Also, read labels. The smaller the list of ingredients the better for your food and your overall health.

“Now that I’m seeing this and I’m aware, I’m willing to do it,” said Washington, who is still striving to live a longer healthier life than her mother and grandmother.