Hello everyone, today we are going to talk about ultra-processed foods that we often encounter in our daily lives. You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘eating snacks or soft drinks is bad for your health’ at least once. But did you know that this is not just a warning but a scientific fact? In this article, we will explore why ultra-processed foods are harmful to our health and how we can avoid them.
What are Ultra-Processed Foods?
What are ultra-processed foods? Simply put, they are foods that contain additives that we rarely use in the kitchen. Examples include snacks, soft drinks, and ice cream. These foods contain preservatives, artificial colors, and emulsifiers. In addition, they contain substances like fructose or modified fats. This is why the snacks and ham we often eat fall into the category of ultra-processed foods.
The Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods
How dangerous are ultra-processed foods? Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health conducted a 30-year study to answer this question. The study found that people who consume a lot of ultra-processed foods have a 9% higher risk of dying from neurodegenerative diseases. This group had a 4% higher overall mortality risk compared to other groups due to a poor diet. Isn’t that surprising?
Not All Ultra-Processed Foods Are Bad
However, not all ultra-processed foods are bad. For example, whole grain bread is also classified as an ultra-processed food but contains beneficial nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. On the other hand, drinks with a lot of added sugar or processed meats are particularly harmful to health. Therefore, we need to pay attention to the types of ultra-processed foods.
Tips for a Healthy Diet
So what should we do? The most important thing is to improve the overall quality of our diet. Dr. Minyang Song advises, “If you maintain a healthy diet, you don’t need to worry about consuming certain foods occasionally.” In other words, we should base our diet on healthy foods and not worry too much about occasionally eating ultra-processed foods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is important to be cautious about consuming ultra-processed foods, there is no need to avoid them completely. The key is whether our overall dietary habits are healthy. Start practicing a healthy diet today! We support your healthy future.
Remember this information to protect your health. We will bring more useful information in the next article!