Processed Foods

Ultra - Processed Foods & the Risks Associated

Nov 18, 2021Healthy Roots

Multiple concerns keep hovering around 6`the keto diet, paleo craze, low-fat, or low-carb diet.

It seems the eating phenomenon has become more complicated than ever before. And the concept of avoiding processed foods has been marked by numerous experts. 

What Are Processed Foods?

Processed food is typically anything and everything that’s changed during processing. Reason- greater accessibility, extended shelf-life and flavour. A few foods are ultra-processed against others. Canned foods may top the list, however, the actual concern is around the ones found in our kitchen and our meals. From refined oil, bleached flour to spices. These heavily processed foods are meant to lock freshness and nutrients. These food products are consumed in high proportion. As per estimations, nearly half of the calories are derived from these ultra-processed foods products. 

Association Between Processed Food & Weight gain? 

Processed or ultra-processed food is directly connected to weight gain. Why? These foods are readily available that leads to hassle-free cooking. Also, they are less in nutrients which boosts consumption that is not required. People addicted to processed food have a calorie intake of about 500 calories a day against people who are not so processed-friendly. Owing to which they’re more prone to gain 1kg of weight a month. 

Why No Processed Food? 

Chemical Adulteration: Addition of preservatives, flavours, or dyes are more likely to negatively influence metabolism. These additives are accessible to people below budget and with a prolonged shelf-life. Besides, it increases the dependency rate by indirectly modifying the biochemical structure of the brain. Which results in individual craving to consume these products. 

This hyperbolic consumption of chemically adulterated products is the root cause of obesity due to the presence of uncontrolled sugar and metabolic syndromes. All this contributes to escalated triglycerides and cholesterol levels. 

Hence, certain conditions leading to severe consequences, include:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • HBP (high blood pressure)
  • Heart Strokes
  • Cancer
  • Cardiac disorders
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease 
  • Metabolic Syndrome

A Word From Healthy Roots

Foods lacking nutritional value, low in vitamins, fibre or protein, play with the human body severely. We, unfortunate souls, are residing in an era of “food desert” with lower accessibility and availability of fresh, authentic, and pure superfoods.

Undoubtedly, it’s next to impossible to get rid of processed foods in the present scenario. But, you can be mindful of what you’re including in your kitchen and diet.

Now, it’s time to switch to traditional food production and consumption that can trace you back to ancient times, savour, and purity. We at Healthy Roots ensure that you “eat right and live light.” Still, in doubt, start with the real food. 

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