Why are Americans so sick?
Researchers point to middle grocery aisles
Researchers point to middle grocery aisles
Are Ultra-Processed Foods Making Us Sick?
More Americans are obese and have diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Experts believe the rise of ultra-processed foods may be partly to blame.
What are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Ultra-processed foods include:
Breads, cereals, snacks, and desserts
Pre-made meals and frozen pizza
Sodas, sweetened drinks, and instant soups
These foods go through a lot of industrial processing, and this gives them flavors, textures, and shelf-life that fresh foods don’t have.
Studies on Ultra-Processed Diets
One study had people eat either ultra-processed or unprocessed meals for 2 weeks, then they switched diets for 2 more weeks.
People ate 500 more calories per day on the ultra-processed diet. They gained weight and body fat.
When they ate unprocessed foods, they lost weight and fat without trying.
Possible Reasons for Overeating
Researchers are still studying why ultra-processed foods lead to overeating. Some reasons may be:
They are higher in calories per bite
They are tastier and easier to eat a lot of
Serving sizes are bigger
Links to Obesity and Disease
Experts see connections between high ultra-processed food intake and:
Obesity
Type 2 diabetes
Heart disease
Cancer
As we eat more of these foods, rates of these diseases are rising too.
Need for Further Research
More research can clarify:
Which ultra-processed products are worst
Exactly how they raise disease risk
Experts agree we should limit ultra-processed foods in our diets. Sticking to fresh, minimally processed foods is healthier for our bodies.
References
Obesity, disease rising with consumption of ultra-processed foods — Harvard Gazette