Doctor Reveals the 2 Foods to Avoid: Ultra-Processed Foods Aren't the Problem

The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee · May 21, 2026 · 1m

Are ultra-processed foods really as unhealthy as we've been told? New research suggests the answer may be more complicated than the headlines make it seem. Dr. Neal Barnard joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to break down findings showing that much of the health risk linked to ultra-processed foods may be driven by two specific categories: processed meat and sugar-sweetened beverages. That means foods like bacon, sausage, ham, bologna, pepperoni, hot dogs, and soda may be doing much of the heavy lifting when it comes to increased disease risk. But what about breakfast cereal?…