Packaged food, daily damage: As crisis intensifies in India, global heart agency flags dietary risks

NEW DELHI: The evening snacks, the fast food, the sugary drinks you drink without a second thought — doctors say they are quietly creating your next health crisis.The American Heart Association (AHA) has issued a stark warning that daily eating habits, especially an increasing reliance on ultra-processed foods, are exacerbating heart disease, diabetes and premature death.The warning was issued in the 2026 Scientific Statement at a time when India’s disease burden is already rising. Cardiovascular disease accounts for nearly 28% of all deaths, while more than 100 million people have diabetes and millions more are at risk. “One in five deaths in India is directly attributable to poor diet,” said Dr. Ambuj Roy, professor of cardiology at AIIMS, Delhi.In its latest guidance, the American Heart Association shifts the conversation away from dietary trends and quick fixes to what people actually eat every day. It calls for meals based on vegetables, fruits and whole grains, as well as healthier sources of protein such as dal, pulses, nuts and fish. It also recommends replacing butter and animal fats with vegetable oils and choosing minimally processed foods.Dr Roy said the principles could be adapted locally. He pointed out that the Mediterranean diet is a proven model for reducing the risk of heart disease, adding that a similar anti-inflammatory Indian diet can be constructed using locally available ingredients such as mustard oil, groundnut oil, seasonal fruits, vegetables, millets, pulses, nuts and traditional spices. “Reducing intake of ready-to-eat packaged foods, biscuits and salty foods can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 30 per cent,” he said.Meanwhile, the American Heart Association calls for limits on ultra-processed foods, added sugar, excess salt and saturated fat. Packaged snacks, sugary drinks, refined flour products, and processed meats are major contributors to increases in obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.Dr Ravinder Goswami, Department of Endocrinology, AIIMS, agreed, saying conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease often overlap and require similar lifestyle changes. He emphasizes portion control—“eat a little less than you can stomach”—as well as being mindful of what you eat and avoiding distractions like screens during meals.He also warned against consuming refined carbohydrates such as maida and recommended cutting back on fried foods and reheated oils. Choosing whole fruit over juice and baked snacks over fried snacks can make a big difference, he says.Urban lifestyles exacerbate risks, with food delivery and rapid trade making high-calorie, high-salt foods easily available. The American Heart Association also recommends limiting alcohol consumption and says people should not start drinking alcohol because they think it is good for their heart.“Simple habits like daily walking, sun exposure and watching your weight are just as important as diet,” Dr. Goswami said, adding that significant weight gain can be a warning sign in itself.Doctors say the risk increases over time through daily habits rather than occasional indulgences, and with lifestyle diseases on the rise among India’s youth, what you eat every day can affect your long-term health.