Ultra-Processed Foods: What They Are and How to Avoid Them
What are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Ultra-processed foods are foods that have been heavily processed, often with the addition of artificial ingredients, preservatives, and other chemicals.
They are typically high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and low in nutrients.
How are Ultra-Processed Foods Made?
Ultra-processed foods are made using a variety of industrial processes, including:
- Extrusion
- Hydrogenation
- Hydrolysis
- Emulsification
- Aromatization
These processes can alter the nutritional value of food, making it less healthy.
A List of Foods to Avoid
Some common examples of ultra-processed foods include:
- Soft drinks
- Candy
- Chips
- Cookies
- Frozen meals
- Packaged snacks
It is important to read food labels carefully and avoid foods that contain a long list of ingredients that you do not recognize.
How Processed Foods Are Defined Differently Than Ultra-Processed Foods
Processed foods are foods that have been altered from their natural state through processes such as canning, freezing, or drying.
Ultra-processed foods are a subset of processed foods that have been subjected to more extensive processing and typically contain more artificial ingredients.
Conclusion
Ultra-processed foods are a major source of unhealthy calories and nutrients, and they have been linked to a number of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and cancer.
It is important to avoid ultra-processed foods as much as possible and to choose whole, unprocessed foods instead.
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