Why we should avoid highly processed foods
highly processed Food such as ready-to-eat pizza, frozen meals and fast food are extremely practical because the time for preparation can be saved. However, several studies have already established that regular consumption of such products increases the risk of Krebs and cardiovascular diseases elevated.
Kate Zeratsky is a nutritionist at the renowned Mayo Clinic (UNITED STATES). In a recent article, the expert explains when food is considered highly processed and what risks are associated with regular consumption.
When is food considered highly processed?
According to Zeratsky, food in three categories divided into: unprocessed, processed and highly processed. In the supermarket, many products fall into the last category.
if rule of thumb in the supermarket, Zeratsky recommends that everything that does not appear to occur naturally should be viewed with skepticism.
Always prefer unprocessed foods
Unprocessed foods are the easiest to identify, according to the nutritionist, as they are products that have been directly harvested or come directly from an animal, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, raw meat and eggs.
The next intermediate step is the processed foods represent, although still mainly from an ingredient exist but have been made more durable or tastier through certain processes. These include, for example, cheese, canned fruit and vegetables or canned meat. Sugar and/or salt are often added to these products.
Die highly processed foods are farthest from the origin. They are made up of many different ingredients and often contain many different colourings, sugars, salt and preservatives, which themselves have no nutritional value, but only make the products more durable, attractive and tasty.
The list of highly processed foods is long and ranges from frozen ready meals and fast food to snacks, cakes, chips and sweets, as well as lemonades and other soft drinks.
Health risks from highly processed products
Nutritionist Zeratsky cites two current studies as examples in which the regular consumption of highly processed foods is associated with increased health risks for widespread diseases was connected.
Highly processed foods increase the risk of colon cancer
A study recently published in the renowned journal “BMJ“ was presented, comes to the conclusion that a high consumption of highly processed foods is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer connected is. The increased risk was more pronounced in men than in women.
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
In a further studywhich was presented in the same journal, the scientists involved came to the conclusion that adults with the highest proportion of highly processed foods in their diet also have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases as well as for one premature death to have.
Avoid highly processed foods
“In our hectic lifestyle, you shouldn’t reach for extremely processed foods”advises Zeratsky finally. Often are according to her canned goods or little processed frozen products the healthier alternative. However, it is best to use fresh and unprocessed foods as often as possible. (vb)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Author:
Graduate editor (FH) Volker Blasek
Sources:
- Mayo Clinic: What is ultra-processed food? (veröffentlicht: 09.09.2022), newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org
- Lu Wang, Mengxi Du, Kai Wang, et al.: Association of ultra-processed food consumption with colorectal cancer risk among men and women: results from three prospective US cohort studies; in: the BMJ (2022), bmj.com
- Marialaura Bonaccio, Augusto Di Castelnuovo, Emilia Ruggiero, et al.: Joint association of food nutritional profile by Nutri-Score front-of-pack label and ultra-processed food intake with mortality: Moli-sani prospective cohort study; in: the BMJ (2022), bmj.com
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.