Several studies have associated the food processing classification – NOVA – and health, but this is not true for all noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs). This study aimed to systematically review the association between the intake of NOVA food groups and NCDs. We hypothesized that ultra-processed foods and drinks (UPFD) and processed foods (PF) could increase the risk of NCDs, and that unprocessed (UPF) and minimally processed foods (MPF) may provide protection. We carried out a systematic review of observational studies in January 2021. Searches were performed in SCOPUS, MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, WEB OF SCIENCE, SCIELO, related articles, hand-searching of reference lists, and direct author contact. In all, 2217 citations were identified and 38 articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this systematic review. Among the analyzed food groups, higher UPFD consumption was positively associated with obesity and associated with the development of all NCDs, mainly hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. However, only a few studies have demonstrated the protective effect of natural foods and MPF consumption on the occurrence of NCDs. In conclusion, UPF may increase the risk of NCDs, and natural foods and MPF may reduce it. Our results reinforce the need for the implementation of policies to mitigate the intake of UPF by the population, as it would improve the quality of the dietary patterns, and directly impact on the incidence of NCDs.

多项研究已将食品加工分类（NOVA）与健康联系起来，但并非所有非传染性慢性病 (NCD) 都是如此。本研究旨在系统评价 NOVA 食物组摄入量与非传染性疾病之间的关联。我们假设超加工食品和饮料 (UPFD) 和加工食品 (PF) 可能会增加非传染性疾病的风险，而未加工 (UPF) 和微加工食品 (MPF) 可能会提供保护。我们于 2021 年 1 月对观察性研究进行了系统评价。在 SCOPUS、MEDLINE（通过 PubMed）、EMBASE、WEB OF SCIENCE、SCIELO、相关文章、参考文献列表的手动搜索和直接作者联系中进行了搜索。总共确定了 2217 篇引文，38 篇文章符合纳入本系统评价的资格标准。在所分析的食物组中，较高的 UPFD 摄入量与肥胖呈正相关，并与所有非传染性疾病的发展相关，主要是高血压、糖尿病和血脂异常。然而，只有少数研究证明天然食物和强积金消费对非传染性疾病的发生具有保护作用。总之，UPF 可能会增加 NCDs 的风险，而天然食品和 MPF 可能会降低它。我们的研究结果强调了实施政策以减少人群摄入 UPF 的必要性，因为这将提高饮食模式的质量，并直接影响非传染性疾病的发病率。只有少数研究证明天然食物和强积金消费对非传染性疾病的发生有保护作用。总之，UPF 可能会增加 NCDs 的风险，而天然食品和 MPF 可能会降低它。我们的研究结果强调了实施政策以减少人群摄入 UPF 的必要性，因为这将提高饮食模式的质量，并直接影响非传染性疾病的发病率。只有少数研究证明天然食物和强积金消费对非传染性疾病的发生有保护作用。总之，UPF 可能会增加 NCDs 的风险，而天然食品和 MPF 可能会降低它。我们的研究结果强调了实施政策以减少人群摄入 UPF 的必要性，因为这将提高饮食模式的质量，并直接影响非传染性疾病的发病率。