Why are processed foods getting a bad rap? Because they are bad for you, that’s why!
Processed foods are not only full of sodium (processed, bleached table salt), but they are also full of tens of thousands of preservatives and toxins. Processed foods can cause a myriad of health issues. Could processed foods be to blame for many of our illnesses? YES! Since one of the most infamous processed foods – high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) – was introduced to the market, obesity skyrocketed!
Just take a look at this chart of high fructose corn syrup introduction and obesity:
But how can a person avoid eating processed foods in this day and age? The first step is eating at home and picking fresh foods, that are unprocessed, of course.
Processed Foods
It’s simple. Processed foods are foods that go through different forms of processing before they reach our plates. Bleached foods, like wheat flour; soy products; artificial sweeteners; refined sugars; boxed foods; meat products like sausages and jerky; and even anything you would categorize as junk food, are all processed foods.
If processed foods are so unhealthy, why are they available? Valid question.
Foods were originally processed in order to make them last longer. Just like you complain that your don’t use the lettuce up before it goes bad, some foods are made to take much longer to go bad. It’s a convenience to save people from having to run to the grocery store every other day. But, if it means being healthy, why wouldn’t you want to make that trip?
Today, there are more reasons for foods to be processed – adding food coloring, MSG, “taste-enhancers”, white sugar, white flour, hydrogenated fats, and other chemicals that make food taste and look more appealing helps food companies sell much more of their “food products” especially to children. Processing foods also helps large food companies produce more “food” faster.
Health Risks
Poor nutrition of any kind can cause obesity and many other diseases. Obesity is important to bring up because the United States is often considered one of the most obese nations. It’s our love of fast food and junk food that has put us in this ranking. Other health risks you will face when eating a regular diet of processed foods are diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
I want to point out that the risk of heart disease in these processed foods not only comes from the fact that they are just plain unhealthy, but also the fact that many of them contain trans fats, which are unhealthy fats.
Many of the preservatives used in processed foods can also have negative side effects on the people who eat them. Some of these side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even headaches.
Ways to Eat Better
When it comes to avoiding processed foods your best bet is to go organic and buy whole foods. Shop for produce at local farmer’s markets, or start your own garden indoors or outdoors. Buy organic meats.
Learn to read your labels. If something contains an ingredient you have never heard of just pass on it. As a rule, avoid foods that contain nitrates, sulfates, sulfur, BHT, BHA, sodium benzoate, MSG, refined or bleached anything and artificial coloring. Avoid any trans fats – they say “hydrogenated oils” or “partially hydrogenated oil” on the label.
Avoid Processed Restaurants
Many restaurants now simply used processed foods and heat them up in a microwave for you. Many of the restaurant chains do just this. Want chicken wings as an appetizer? Sure! Let’s just get the box of chicken wings with 3000 chemical ingredients in it and heat that right up for you…
Avoid chain restaurants and typical American restaurants that cook like that! If you’re going to eat out, eat at a restaurant that uses fresh foods and actually cooks them.
The best is just to cook at home where you know exactly what it is you are putting in your food. Be aware while you are shopping. Look at your items, don’t just read labels, but actually look at product quality too. If you take the time to learn about your food and pick the healthiest possible options, it is more likely you will be healthier. Don’t be in a rush when you go to the grocery store. Take your time and get to know the food you are putting into your body before it’s too late. Don’t let food control your life, or ruin your health!
