By Admin 
Is Ultra-Processed Food Bad for Health: Often people consider processed and ultra-processed food to be the same, but there is a big difference between the two in terms of health. The truth is that some processed foods are not harmful, whereas excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods can increase the risk of serious diseases. Let us tell you what is the difference between the two and how you can know it.
What is processed food?
According to the US Department of Agriculture, any minor change to a natural food item, such as cooking, freezing, cutting or juicing, makes it processed. Many healthy items also fall in this category, like chopped baby carrots, frozen vegetables or broccoli cut into florets. That means not every processed food is bad.
What is ultra-processed food?
Ultra-processed food is one step further. This includes products that are made mostly from ingredients or chemicals derived from food and that contain little or no real, whole food content. For example, packaged chips, soft drinks, candy, instant noodles, ready-to-eat rice or pasta. One just has to heat them or add water and the work is almost over.
Why can these be dangerous?
Ultra-processed foods may be cheap, tasty, and convenient, but they often contain-
- refined carbohydrates
- too much salt
- saturated fat
- too many calories
Such things do not fill the stomach quickly, due to which a person eats more than required, which later harms health.
According to the Food and Drugs Administration, the additives used in food are considered safe, but many experts say that their long-term effects are not yet fully understood. Excessive processing also removes fiber, which can affect digestion and the good bacteria in the intestines.
What came out in the research
Research suggests that ultra-processed foods may be linked to an increased risk of obesity, high blood pressure, cancer and premature death. A study also found that people who eat ultra-processed diets eat more and gain weight faster.
Is every ultra-processed food bad?
Experts associated with the American Heart Association believe that in today’s era it is difficult to completely avoid processed and to some extent ultra-processed foods. The problem is that most such products are not made keeping health in mind, but by giving priority to taste, price and shelf-life. Experts say that there is a need for companies to make more healthy processed food, and people to choose wisely. One thing that should be kept in mind is that it is not easy for everyone to completely give up processed or ultra-processed food, but by making informed and wise choices, the harm can be reduced to a great extent.
Also read: Stomach heaviness or slight fatigue? Don’t ignore, know the early warning signs of fatty liver.
Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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