Do you know the truth behind processed food?
Hello everyone!
I hope you are inspired and keeping well.
This is Andi, straight from Kalkine Studio.
And you are watching Kalkine Wellness.
Today, let us discuss how processed food affects your body and overall well-being.
To start with, let us look at what constitutes as processed food-
Generally, foods that are ready-to-eat, frozen and have been altered from their original
state in some way, are considered unhealthy.
Processed food comes from the derivitave of the word PROCESS.
The food has been taken from its natural state and gone through a process.
This process strips the food of it’s micronutrition which is what we need to feel full on a nutritional
level.
This is why you can eat processed food and not feel satiated because it’s not getting
the vitamins and minerals it needs to feel full and switch off the part of the brain
that controls hunger mechanisms.
Processed food can be divided into two types-
first, mechanically processed, such as heated vegetables, pasteurized foods or ground beef
and second, chemically processed like food enhanced with artificial substances or with
ingredients that increase a product’s shelf life.
Chemically processed foods are much more harmful than mechanically processed food items.
When chemicals or artificial substances are added to a food item, it reduces the nutritional
value of the item.
These chemicals generally include flavouring agents, colours, sweeteners and preservatives.
But does that mean all types of processing is bad?
Let’s find out!
Undoubtedly, processed food items are a boon to the modern diet and are essential in maintaining
a healthy lifestyle.
At times, however, it can be difficult to distinguish whether a processed food is healthy
for you or not.
For instance, dairy milk pasteurization is a healthy and nutritious form of food processing
as it removes bacteria like e-coli.
However, any type of processing beyond that can be detrimental to the human health.
This includes fortifying milk with additional vitamins and minerals that are not present
in the natural milk.
Sometimes processed foods ca also have the fat taen away and sugar added.
It’s importamt to note that fat if its good fat doesn’t make you fat, it is the sugar
that can- especially if you kcan not process it.
Food items like frozen meals, breakfast cereals, chips, candy, ice cream, instant noodles,
sodas, and other packaged items are considered highly processed, with little to no nutritional
value.
So how do processed food items affect our bodies?
Many experts believe that most of the modern-day chronic diseases are the result of processed
food items that have become a part of our diets over the previous few decades.
These engineered products may also disturb the naturally existing microorganisms found
in our gut.
This can lead to long-term stomach issues that are hard to treat.
Additionally, large intake of processed foods in the diet can make it harder for you to
burn calories.
It is also the welcome door to lifestyle disorders like thyroid.
It is therefore a good practice to be watchful of these ingredients in your diet:
Sodium- Commonly found in salt, sodium is often used to keep food items fresh.
It is included in almost every food item we consume.
However, a moderate intake of sodium should be maintained.
And then there’s the salts f the earth – this is the good salt – which is not being in
a processed form It is in its natural state and full of minerals like magnesium.
Sugars- It is a good practice to read labels and keep a tab on your sugar intake.
As with salt, sugar is present in almost every processed food items.
Trans Fat- the man made fats - Mostly found in baked items, trans fat can affect cholesterol
levels and lead to heart diseases.
Evidently, these processing items are present in almost everything we consume.
Completely eliminating them from your diet may not be possible.
But being cautious and aware about what you consume can be a good way to start your journey
towards a healthier self.
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