Why should I avoid processed foods?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:As many as 72.5 million Americans are obese. Just look at any processed-food label on the products that line our supermarket aisles. Most of these foods are loaded with calories, fat (mostly unhealthy saturated or "trans" fats), sodium (salt), and refined sugars and flours. Over time, eating this way takes a toll on our metabolism and makes us prone to weight gain, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, high blood pressure -- all of which elevate our risk of diabetes, heart disease, and kidney failure.As many as 72.5 million Americans are obese. Just look at any processed-food label on the products that line our supermarket aisles. Most of these foods are loaded with calories, fat (mostly unhealthy saturated or "trans" fats), sodium (salt), and... More -
Ashley Koff answered:All the tools our bodies need to function optimally and efficiently (read: produce and utilize energy) can be found in foods. We need food to live, to maintain the structure and function of our cells, and to support and fuel the systems that keep us going strong -- immune, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and so on. But some foods can have little to none of the nutrients we need, so when we eat nutrient-poor foods, we ask the body to work with fewer resources. When we provide nutrient-poor food and chemicals, then we ask the body to not only do its daily work with fewer resources, but we also ask it to combat additional challenges.
We are starting to see research that indicates this may be a recipe for disease. Regardless, we know that it's a recipe for imbalanced energy, which tips our metaphorical scale in favor of burnout, premature fatigue, careless mistakes, and confusion. Put another way, when we perpetually consume nutrient-poor foods and beverages filled with harmful impersonators such as hydrogenated trans fats, saturated fats, and refined sugars -- topped with preservatives, additives, and artificial flavors and colors -- we set ourselves up for downgrading our energy metabolism and, in turn, our health.
All the tools our bodies need to function optimally and efficiently (read: produce and utilize energy) can be found in foods. We need food to live, to maintain the structure and function of our cells, and to support and fuel the systems that keep us... More -
Rose Reisman answered:Processed food including fast food, packaged and frozen meals are one of the key reasons for obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart and stroke epidemic. But we can’t often resist because they’re tasty, inexpensive and convenient. So what’s so bad about processed foods?
- Most contain excess sodium, fat, trans fats, calories and sugar.
- They’re often nutrient deficient and have toxic ingredients.
- The additives that enhance flavor and extend shelf life actually alters your taste buds so you develop an addiction to fat, sugar and salt.
- There may be hidden ingredients that are not labeled, especially when coming from other countries where labeling is not required.
- Processed foods are often over packaged which put strains on our environment.
- Processed foods increase childhood obesity, decreasing their life span as well as increasing our health care budgets.
Examples of processed foods:
- Processed nuts are high in sodium and often contain MSG.
- Fat free ice cream needs thickening agents which gives a processed texture and flavor and often is not less calories since more sugar is added to enhance flavor.
- Diet supermarket foods contain excess salt for flavor.
- Processed chicken in fast food and frozen products is often cooked in a high sodium marinade and often injected with a sodium solution to keep the meat moist.
- Boxed grains with flavored packages such as rice or couscous have excess sodium.
- Fat free cottage cheese contains excess salt to obtain the curds and whey consistency.
White empty carbs, fried foods, processed cheese, sugar beverages and desserts are all loaded with calories, sugar and fats.
Processed food including fast food, packaged and frozen meals are one of the key reasons for obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart and stroke epidemic. But we can’t often resist because they’re tasty, inexpensive and convenient. So... More -
Dr. Gerry Curatola answered:Processed foods are like putting bad gas in your car! Most consumers do not realize that "live food" (unprocessed) has important vitamins and enzymes that are destroyed in their processing. The result is the consumption of empty calories with additives, many of which have a long "rap sheet" of adverse effects on the body. With the debate on the spiraling costs of healthcare (or "disease-care"), it's time we start treating the cause instead of the symptoms. As a dentist, I am very concerned with what patients put into their mouths first before treating the symptoms and the "fallout."
Processed foods are like putting bad gas in your car! Most consumers do not realize that "live food" (unprocessed) has important vitamins and enzymes that are destroyed in their processing. The result is the consumption of empty calories with... More -
Dr. Deb Kennedy answered:The purpose of food is to nourish you. With today's food supply, what we eat can either take us in the direction of health or away from it. Processed foods are amateurs and imposters compared to the real thing: food straight from nature.The purpose of food is to nourish you. With today's food supply, what we eat can either take us in the direction of health or away from it. Processed foods are amateurs and imposters compared to the real thing: food straight from nature. More
