All articles tagged with #processed food
Poor gut habits such as consuming processed foods, excessive sugar, insufficient vegetables, late-night snacking, and overusing antibiotics can significantly harm gut health, leading to inflammation, digestive issues, and broader health problems. Improving diet by eating whole foods, fiber-rich vegetables, and using antibiotics responsibly can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
A recent study in Nature Medicine shows that eating minimally processed foods leads to greater weight loss and better fat reduction compared to ultra-processed foods, highlighting the importance of food quality in weight management. Despite common dietary guidelines, most Americans and Britons rely heavily on processed foods, which may hinder weight loss efforts. The study suggests choosing whole, unprocessed foods and cooking at home as effective strategies for healthier weight management, emphasizing a cultural shift in food consumption habits.
A meta-analysis from the University of Washington suggests that even small amounts of processed foods like meats, sugary drinks, and trans fats increase the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and colorectal cancer, leading to recommendations to limit or avoid these foods, though some experts note the evidence quality is weak and more research is needed.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pledged to remove processed foods from school lunches if he joins a second Trump administration, a stance that surprises nutrition experts given the previous administration's rollback of healthier school meal standards championed by Michelle Obama.
Processed food encompasses a wide range of alterations to raw materials, with some processed foods being beneficial, while ultraprocessed foods should be avoided. Nutrition experts recommend preparing food at home using fresh vegetables and reading labels to avoid harmful additives. Consuming too much processed food can lead to fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and cognitive decline, but incorporating fruits, veggies, and exercise into one's diet can help mitigate these risks. Education and access to healthier options are crucial for addressing the issue, particularly for low-income individuals.
Consumer Reports tested Lunchables and similar lunch kits, finding high levels of sodium and heavily processed food, as well as lead and cadmium in some samples. Experts warn of potential health risks, including increased cancer risk from processed meat and hazards of heavy metal exposure, especially for children. Kraft Heinz, the parent company of Lunchables, disputes the findings, stating their products meet safety standards. Nutritionists emphasize the importance of moderation, variety, and nutrient-dense options in children's diets, calling for more plant-forward, low-sodium alternatives in school lunches.
Consumer Reports found that Lunchables and similar lunch kits contain high levels of sodium and heavily processed food, with some also containing lead and cadmium, though within federal limits. Experts warn of potential health risks, including increased cancer risk from processed meat and hazards of heavy metals, especially for children. Nutritionists emphasize the importance of moderation, variety, and nutrient-dense options in children's diets, calling for more plant-forward, low-sodium, and culturally relevant school meal options.
While Lean Cuisine offers a variety of lower-calorie, lower-fat frozen meals, some options may not be as healthy as they seem. Certain meals can be high in sodium, heavily processed, and low in fiber or protein. Examples include the Steak Portabella with high sodium content, the Baked Chicken lacking fiber, the Comfort Beef Pot Roast with low protein and high sugar, the Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry with high sugar and low fiber, and the Cheddar Potatoes with Broccoli with low protein. It's important to consider the nutritional value and ingredients of Lean Cuisine meals before choosing them as a healthy option.
A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals a link between high consumption of processed food during adolescence and an increased risk of mental distress later in life. The study, based on data from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study, found that individuals with the highest intake of ultra-processed food had elevated odds of experiencing psychological distress, indicating depression. Those in the top quarter of processed food consumption were 14% more likely to experience a mental health crisis compared to the bottom 25%. Previous research has also associated processed foods with increased risks of cancer and dementia.
Dr. Michael Mosley, known for creating popular eating plans, has shared three food groups to avoid or minimize for weight loss. He advises cutting down on sugar, including sugary treats and breakfast cereals, as well as starchy carbs like bread, pasta, and white rice. Instead, he recommends whole grains. Additionally, he suggests avoiding ultra-processed foods and meat, which he believes contribute to the obesity epidemic.
An internal report from Nestlé revealed that over 60% of the company's mainstream food and beverage products, and 96% of its non-coffee beverages, failed to meet a "recognized definition of health." Despite this, Nestlé claims that its products are "enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future."
A new study shows a concerning spike in colon cancer cases among Americans younger than 50, leading some experts to question what might be causing the marked change. While cancer genetics haven't changed much in recent times, some doctors believe a societal increase in processed food diets and sedentary lifestyles may be at least partially to blame. Medical experts are recommending the screening age be dropped to 45, as one study showed a 90% increase in colon cancer among people aged 20 to 34, while those 35-49 saw an increase of 28%.
California Assembly member Jesse Gabriel has introduced legislation that would ban certain potentially harmful ingredients, including Red Dye No. 3, titanium dioxide, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben, from processed food items such as fruit cups, chewy candies, cookies, and cakes. The bill cites academic studies linking these ingredients to an increased risk of cancer in animals and negative impacts on children's behavior, immune system, and reproductive systems in rats. The legislation aims to protect public health and the safety of the food supply.