2024-03-17 05:31:00
the essential Ultra-processed foods have become essential on supermarket shelves. Despite their bad reputation and their possible negative effect on health, these products are not clearly identifiable.
Crisps, industrial cakes, prepared meals… Ultra-processed foods (AUT) dot our supermarket shelves, often to the detriment of our health. These foods have undergone significant processing processes, contain additives (colorings, emulsifiers, sweeteners, etc.) or industrial substances (hydrogenated oils, modified starches, etc.).
How to recognize ultra-processed foods?
For Laurence Levert, nutritionist and micronutritionist in Toulouse, a good way to identify ultra-processed foods is the Nova classification. It classifies foods into four groups according to their level of processing: raw or minimally processed products (fruit, milk, meat, etc.), culinary products (butter, cheese, etc.), processed foods (canned foods, prepared meals). ,…) and ultra-processed foods/drinks (soda, breakfast cereals,…).
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The problem is that the Nova classification is not listed on the labels. Even more problematic: the level of transformation of a product is not always enlightening. While pure grape juices are Nova 1, fruit compotes without added sugar are Nova 4. The nutritionist therefore advises hunting down “words you don’t know” and “E… which are often artificial colors.
What health risks ?
According to a study by British Medical Journal published in February, consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of 32 health problems. Heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, sleep problems… are among others cited.
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Consumption of ultra-processed products must therefore be restricted. And no one should cut back, according to Laurence Levert: “It’s obvious that we must limit the consumption of ultra-processed products to children as much as possible, but that’s the case for everyone! For pregnant women, explains- she says, the baby automatically has nanoparticles or products that are not good for him.
Why are these products attractive?
In 2021, The European Journal of Nutrition published a study on the eating habits of the French. Ultra-processed products represent 31% of our diet. Laurence Levert explains in particular the attractiveness of these foods by their low price: “Ultra-processed products are cheaper because the proportion of raw products is low but we add saturated fats, false sugars, flavor enhancers, etc. “
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Eating practices are changing, and not necessarily in the right direction according to the specialist: “People no longer take the time to eat, especially those who work on computers. Since Covid-19, there have also been a lot of deliveries which encourage ultra-processed products.
If the consumption of ultra-processed foods concerns more those under 35 and people of lower socio-economic class, the nutritionist emphasizes that it also affects all levels of society: “I am very surprised to see retirees consume ultra-processed products,” she explains.
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