How unhealthy are Processed Foods? – By Dr Harold Gunatillake
Website: www.Doctorharold.com
Processed foods are suggested to be a contributor to the obesity epidemic and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. An ultra-processed food with an unevenly high ratio of calories to nutrients may be considered unhealthy. For example, research supports an association between a high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.Real food is as close to its natural state as possible. Real food contains antioxidants and nutrients that support heart health, including magnesium and healthy fats.Eating a diet rich in nutritious, unprocessed foods may also help reduce inflammation, which is considered one of the significant drivers of heart disease.Processed foods are more than just microwave meals and ready meals.
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Processed food is any food that has been altered in some way during preparation. Such as freezing, canning, baking, drying Not all processed foods are unhealthy, but some processed foods may contain high levels of salt, sugar and fat.
Examples of common processed foods include:
• breakfast cereals, cheese, tinned vegetables, bread
• savoury snacks, such as crisps, sausage rolls, pies and pasties; meat products, such as bacon, sausage, ham, salami and paté; microwave meals or ready meals
• cakes and biscuits, drinks, such as milk or soft drinks Only some processed food is a good choice. Some foods need processing to make them safe, such as milk, which needs to be pasteurised to remove harmful bacteria.
Other foods need processing to make them suitable for use, such as pressing seeds to make oil. Processing allows the food to be stored for more time and remain safe to eat. Many fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, meats, and milk fall into this category.
Processed Foods and Health
Processed foods are generally thought to be inferior to unprocessed foods. They may bring to mind a packaged food item containing many ingredients, perhaps even artificial colours, flavours, or other chemical additives. Often referred to as convenience or pre-prepared foods, processed foods are suggested to be a contributor to the obesity epidemic and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. However, the definition of
processed food varies widely depending on the source:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines processed food as one that has undergone any changes to its natural state—that is, any raw agricultural commodity subjected to washing, cleaning, milling, cutting, chopping, heating, pasteurizing, blanching, cooking, canning, freezing, drying, dehydrating, mixing, packaging, or other procedures that alter the food from its natural state. The food may include adding other ingredients such as
preservatives, flavours, nutrients and other food additives or substances approved for use in food products, such as salt, sugars, and fats.
Unprocessed or minimally processed foods
Unprocessed foods include the natural edible food parts of plants and animals. Minimally processed foods have been slightly altered for the primary purpose of preservation, but this does not substantially change the nutritional content of the food. Examples include cleaning and removing inedible or unwanted parts, grinding, refrigeration, pasteurization, fermentation, freezing, and vacuum packaging. This allows the food to be stored for more time and remain safe to eat. Many fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, meats, and milk fall into this category.
Processed foods
Foods from either of the two previous groups that have added salt, sugar, or fats. Examples include some canned fruits and vegetables, some cheeses, freshly made bread, and canned fish. These foods usually are made from at least 2-3 ingredients and can be readily eaten without further preparation.
Highly processed foods
What are examples of ultra-processed foods?
These foods go through multiple processes (extrusion, moulding, milling, etc.), contain many added ingredients and are highly manipulated. Examples are soft drinks, chips, chocolate, candy, ice cream, sweetened breakfast cereals, packaged soups, chicken nuggets, hotdogs, fries and more. include artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives that promote shelf stability, preserve texture, and increase palatability. Several processing steps using multiple ingredients comprise the ultra-processed food. It is speculated that these foods are designed to increase
cravings so people will overeat them and purchase more.
They are typically ready to eat with minimal additional preparation. Not all but some of these foods tend to be low in fibre and nutrients. Examples are sugary drinks, cookies, crackers, chips, breakfast cereals, some frozen dinners, and luncheon meats. These foods may, partially if not wholly, replace minimally processed foods in some people’s diets. One study using data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that ultra-processed foods comprised about 60% of total calories in the U.S. diet. An association has been suggested between the increasing sales of ultra-processed foods and obesity.
What problems can processed foods cause?
Often referred to as convenience or pre-prepared foods, processed foods are suggested to be a contributor to the obesity epidemic and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Buying processed foods can lead to people eating more than the recommended amounts of sugar, salt and fat, as they may need to be made aware of how much has been added to the food they are buying and eating. These foods can also be higher in calories due to their high amounts of added sugar or fat.
Disadvantages of Processed Foods
Food processing removes some of the nutrients, vitamins and fibre present in the food. Processed foods are obtained from laboratories and not nature. The foods are genetically modified and may cause gastrointestinal disorders, infertility, and damage to your organs.
I hope this video presentation was helpful. Stay safe, and goodbye for now.
May all our viewers expect a healthy 2023
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