Processed food is often linked with poor nutrition and health damage. While the statistics are true for a large part, little do we know that all the foods we consume undergo some degree of processing. Thus, it is necessary to know your food before you consume them.
What are processed foods?
Any food altered from its original state is called processed food. It can include processes like — washing, storing, fermenting, heating, baking, cooking, boiling, pasteurization, dehydrating, and curing. These mechanical and biochemical procedures are necessary to transform food into edible form, elongate its shelf life, and make it palette friendly. The apprehension lies in the adverse effects of highly chemically processed food.
What are the different types of processed foods?
Foods can undergo different degrees of processing. Foods that involve cutting or roasting are minimally processed and are healthy to consume. Canned foods involve preserving food in vacuum-sealed containers to prolong shelf life and prevent contamination. Canned foods can preserve most of the nutrients except heat-sensitive vitamins — B and C. They may, however, contain BPA; and can be infected with bacteria called Clostridium botulinum when processed improperly.
The highly processed food includes — oatmeal cookies, protein bars, muesli, frozen food, ready-to-eat food, and fruit juices. Food products advertised as the most healthy are shockingly the most processed foods. These are most detrimental to your health. Products that come with a higher shelf life and more ingredients are highly processed and loaded with chemicals and preservatives. Highly processed foods also include biscuits, salad dressings, soups, and breakfast cereals.
How has food consumption changed with processed food?
Earlier, food processing was only carried out to increase the shelf life of the food, mostly through natural means and only as a requirement. The food industry revolution has drastically changed the food habits of people worldwide. With better economic statuses, people regale themselves with packaged, canned, refined, and fortified foods. The shift in food habits has had a grave impact on human health worldwide. These lifestyle-induced health conditions can be commonly seen among people.
What are the dangers associated with processed food?
Heavily-processed food provides you with unhealthful levels of sodium, sugar, trans fats, and preservatives. These foods put you at high risk for potential diseases like hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, cancer, inflammation, diabetes, and obesity. It not only affects your physical health but may also affect mental health causing anxiety and depression. High on calories and low on nutrients, these foods are addictive by nature. These foods are stripped off of naturally present nutrients and are then fortified with fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain ingredients like monosodium glutamate, artificial sweeteners, food colors, corn syrup, and guar gum. These ingredients come with adverse health effects.
BPA and phthalates present in canned or packaged food interfere with body functioning by acting as hormone receptors. The consumption of processed food can also disrupt the hormonal balance in your body.
Conclusion
You can avoid these potential health risks by consciously choosing your eating habits. The shopping stores swarming with processed foods may lead you astray. Remember to choose products with safer alternatives. It is best to go for fresh, local, seasonal and homemade food. In case you are not able to do that regularly, look for the best alternatives. Your food choices impact your health and well-being and you must take full control of your diet. Next time you go shopping, don’t forget to go through the ingredients.
