Processed foods, especially ultra-processed food, can be detrimental to your longterm health due to the laundry list of dangerous ingredients including (but not limited to): added sugars, saturated fats, sodium, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, artificial food dyes, and more. These products also tend to lack nutritional value: fewer vitamins, minerals and fiber. Long-term consumption of processed foods has been shown to increase weight gain, high blood pressure, risk of heart disease, hormonal imbalances, gut and digestive issues, risk of chronic health issues (such as diabetes and cancer), cognitive decline and more.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ULTRA AND MINIMALLY?
Ultra-processed foods undergo extensive industrial processing and often contain additives, artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners, significantly altering their original state. Minimally processed foods are closer to their natural form, with minimal alterations. Minimally processed foods may involve simple steps like washing, peeling, or freezing, whereas ultra-processed foods are transformed through industrial processes like hydrogenation, extrusion, and flavoring. The shorter the ingredient list and the more simple the ingredients (unknown words are a red flag, e.g. monosodium glutamate), the healthier it likely is.
THE GOAL?
The goal is never to chase perfection. The goal is to do your best effort to consume products and goods that are closer to their natural form than their chemically altered form. Focus on making most of your meals real-food based, leaving room for indulgences here and there.
