New Delhi, Nov. 19 -- Ultra-processed foods are directly linked to increased health risks for 12 diseases, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression and heart, kidney and gastrointestinal conditions, according to a major series published Tuesday in The Lancet, which also found that diets are now full of such foods, replacing fresh and minimally processed, traditional home-cooked meals globally. These industrially manufactured products - packaged snacks, instant noodles, sugary cereals, carbonated soft drinks, ready-to-eat meals and processed meats - have become ubiquitous in supermarkets, corner shops and increasingly in rural markets worldwide. Of the 104 studies reviewed, 92 showed a link between ultra-processed dietary patterns and ...