The Sneaky Ultra-Processed Foods You Might Not Realize Are Ultra-Processed

LOADING ERROR LOADING The more sophisticated our food manufacturing becomes, the farther away we’re getting from having a diet of, well, food. “And they tend to be high on the glycemic index, leading to fluctuations in blood glucose that can further promote feelings of anxiety.” Noting that ultra-processed foods make up as much as 80% of the standard American diet, Dr. Jennie Stanford, an obesity medicine physician, said, “These ingredients cause inflammatory reactions within the body, which dysregulate metabolism, disrupt fat tissue and disturb neuroendocrine hormone balance.” How Foods Become Ultra-processed According to the Center for Epidemiological Studies in Health and Nutrition, ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations made entirely or mostly from substances extracted from foods, derived from food constituents or synthesized in laboratories from food substrates or other organic sources. “In general, most ultra-processed foods are lower in nutrients, and higher in problematic nutrients, such as high levels of calories, saturated fat, sugars and sodium,” said registered dietitian nutritionist Sharon Palmer. Cardiologist Dr. Steven Gundry offered this example: “Cassava root is great for you in its whole form for its prebiotic fiber, but cassava tortillas and pasta aren’t as beneficial because the cassava is ground up into a powder, removing the fiber, and your body quickly converts it to sugar.” Jackie Bowen, executive director of the Clean Label Project, puts it this way: “While whole fruits and vegetables are good for you, when they’re ultra-processed into the form of a bar or a chip, they lose critical vitamins and fiber.” Take It Easy And Keep Things Balanced, Experts Advise It seems we always love to choose a “villain food” to pillory, perhaps because as long as we avoid that one thing, we can feel virtuous. However, it’s important to fit these foods into an otherwise well-balanced diet with many minimally processed foods as well.” “Eating ultra-processed foods occasionally won’t necessarily derail your health,” Russell said.