Ultra-processed foods and what you need to know.

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience often takes precedence over nutrition and that happens to us all. Unfortunaltey ultra-processed foods have become a staple in many people’s diets, offering quick and easy solutions for busy lifestyles.

These foods can have detrimental effects on our health and well-being. As a dietitian with 26 years of experience, I have witnessed the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods and its impact on individuals.

In this blog, we will explore the negatives of ultra-processed foods and understand why they should be minimized in our diets.

Ultra-Processed foods – what are they?

The NOVA food classification system, developed by researchers from University of São Paulo in Brazil, is where the phrase ‘ultra-processed foods’ originates from.

The food products are classified into four groups depending on the extent of processing they have undergone during their manufacturing:

1. Unprocessed foods

Unprocessed or minimally processed foods are those that have undergone minimal or no alteration and contain no added ingredients. This includes fruits, vegetables, milk, fish, pulses, eggs, nuts and seeds in their natural state.

2. Processed ingredients

Processed ingredients are used to enhance the flavour of certain foods, such as salt, sugar and oils. These ingredients are usually not consumed by themselves, but rather combined with other foods for added flavour.

3. Processed foods

Processed foods are food items which are derived from groups 1 and 2, and modified in a way that one can replicate at home. Examples of such foods include making jams, pickles, canned fruits, veggies, making breads, cheeses.

4. Ultra-Processed foods

Ultra-processed foods usually contain more than five components and ingredients that aren’t common in home cooking. These can include preservatives, emulsifiers, sweeteners, synthetic colours & flavours. Due to their additives, these food items are able to maintain their shelf life for an extended period of time.

Examples of Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods include ham, sausages, frozen waffles, nuggets, crisps, pizza, mass-produced bread, breakfast cereals, biscuits, carbonated drinks, fruit-flavoured yogurts, instant soups, icecreams and frozen desserts

Unprocessed or minimally processed foods

Fruit, vegetables, eggs, meat and grains. Processed culinary ingredients Sugar, salt, butter, lard, oils, vinegar

Processed foods

Freshly made, unpackaged bread, tinned fruits and vegetables, salted nuts, ham, bacon, tinned fish and cheese

So why worry about Ultra-Processed Foods?

1. Lack of Nutritional Value: Ultra-processed foods are typically low in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They often contain high amounts of unhealthy fats, added sugars, and sodium. Consuming these foods regularly can lead to nutrient deficiencies, contributing to a range of health problems, including weakened immune function, poor bone health, and increased risk of chronic diseases.
   
2. Increased Caloric Intake: Ultra-processed foods are often engineered to be hyper-palatable, making them difficult to resist. They are designed to be consumed quickly and easily, leading to overeating. These foods are typically high in calories but low in satiety, meaning they don’t provide a feeling of fullness or satisfaction. This can lead to excessive calorie intake, promoting weight gain and increasing the risk of obesity.
   
3. Adverse Effects on Metabolic Health: Regular consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to a variety of metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. These foods are often loaded with refined carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, which can disrupt normal metabolic processes, increase inflammation in the body, and negatively impact blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
   
4. Negative Impact on Digestive Health: Ultra-processed foods are typically low in dietary fiber, a crucial component for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber aids in digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. By consuming an excessive amount of ultra-processed foods and neglecting fiber-rich whole foods, individuals may experience digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, and an imbalanced gut microbiome.
   
5. Association with Chronic Diseases: Numerous studies have shown a strong correlation between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the development of chronic diseases. These foods have been linked to an increased risk of conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, and even mental health disorders. The excessive intake of unhealthy additives, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners found in ultra-processed foods may contribute to these health concerns.

Research on Ultra-Processed Foods

Studies from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil have found that excessive UPF intake (more than 56.8 per cent of the diet) increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

In 2019, a study published in The BMJ found that people who ate a lot of UPFs (more than four servings a day) were at a 62 per cent greater risk of premature death from all causes than those with a low consumption. For each individual serving of UPF, the risk of death increased by 18 per cent.

Conclusion

While ultra-processed foods offer convenience and ease, it is important to recognize their negative impact on our health. As a dietitian, I encourage individuals to prioritize whole, minimally processed foods in their diets. By focusing on fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats, we can optimize our nutrient intake, support overall well-being, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Remember, small changes in our dietary choices can have a significant impact on our health in the long run.

So, what to do next or for anything else..

If you are needing help with your diet and health, wanting to reduce Ultra Processed foods in your diet or anything else… we can assist you with this. Maybe you wish to change your eating habits, stop tracking or need help optimising the foods you eat and are not sure what programme to select, please do contact us. We would love to help you or your family and friends with any nutrition-related queries big or small.

If you want to book your programme TODAY we would love to help you.

You can book a 121 Dietitian Programme today by clicking on the link below

If you have enjoyed this blog we would love you to share this with your family and friends on your social media channels. Do visit our YouTube Channel for more on keeping your health optimal.

If you are interested in how I overcame my Thyroid Autoimmune Condition do check out the About section below

Before you go please check out our 121 Dietitian Shop created specifically for optimising your health.

Gillian x