Some ultra-processed foods are good for your health, WHO-backed study finds

An international study found that while sausages are more likely to cause heart disease, diabetes and cancer, cereals and bread are not. Photograph: Jordan Lye/Getty Images

Some ultra-processed foods increase the risk of developing cancer, heart disease and diabetes – but others are good for you, new research into the demonised foodstuffs suggests.

A major new international study has found that regular consumption of meat products – such as sausages – and sugary drinks make it more likely that someone will get those diseases.