Processed foods linked to cancer

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Are you constantly snacking on ultra processed foods like chips, frozen meals, and pre-made snacks to save time linked to cancer? Do you know what’s in those “convenience” items you’re eating?

Ultra processed foods often have synthetic additives, synthetics, and preservatives that don’t give your body the essential nutrients you need. In addition, because they’re convenient, many people consume ultra processed foods instead of cooking a meal from scratch. Therefore according to American Cancer Society and American Institute for Cancer Research findings, eating highly processed meats like ham, bacon, salami, and hot dogs increase your risk of cancer, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Here’s a great article from CNN by Sandee LaMotte. That will scare the bejesus out of you. Additionally, I hope it will make you know the dangers of Ultra processed foods linked to cancer. In other words, If you’re not a health nut, you will be after reading this. According to two studies found in the British medical journal, one a US-based and the other an Italian-based study. Undeniably found eating a lot of ready-to-eat meals puts you at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancers.

Saving time can cost you your health: Ultra processed foods linked to cancer

Ultra-processed foods may seem easy to save time and energy, but they can do more harm than good. Therefore, Learning about ultra-processed foods will help you make healthier choices about what to eat. Here is everything you need to know about ultra-processed foods and how they affect your health.

Ultra processed foods are heavily processed and contain various artificial ingredients, chemicals, and preservatives. These foods are typically high in sugar, salt, fat, and calories but low in essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.

Another key point is that these foods are often marketed as “convenient” and “time-saving” but negatively impact your health. For example, eating ultra-processed foods can lead to weight gain, increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, and even mental health issues like depression.

Eating a diet high in ultra-processed foods can also lead to nutrient deficiencies, as these foods are often low in essential vitamins and minerals.

It is essential to be aware of the ingredients in the foods you are eating and make an effort to limit your intake of ultra-processed foods. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is the best way to ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs.

Since Ultra-processed foods are a concern for the world, the UN created a classification system under which most foods we eat will fall under. You can read the full report here, NOVA.

What is the NOVA food classification?

To differentiate between “ultra-processed” foods and other types of foods, the Brazilian researcher Carlos Monteiro and his team of scientists created The NOVA food classification. The categories are based on the following:

• The amount of processed ingredients.
• Where they come from.
• Produced from where?
• Used in what processing techniques.

The four categories are:

Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods:

These foods contain only one ingredient in their natural form and have not changed in any way. Examples include raw fruit, vegetables, grains, fresh herbs and spices, nuts, beans, unrefined oils, unpasteurized milk, salt, etc.

Processed Culinary Ingredient:

These modified ingredients retain original properties. Examples include sugar and oil that have undergone refining processes; purified salt; dried fruits; canned beans; pasteurized juices, etc.

Processed Foods:

These items may contain plant or animal-origin ingredients but have transformed with processing techniques such as grinding, heating or dehydration, etc. Examples include jams, bread, breakfast cereals, cheeses, soups, sauces, etc.

Ultra-Processed Foods:

Packaged products that contain multiple added components sourced from various plants or animal sources, such as fats, sugars, starches, and emulsifiers. Additionally artificial flavorings or colorants added to make them more attractive to customers. For example: instant noodles/soups; pre-made frozen dishes; processed meats; snack bars; sugar-sweetened beverages etc

More examples of the Nova Food classifications: Ultra processed foods linked to cancer

1. Frozen processed foods

Frozen processed foods: pre-packaged meals cooked and frozen, allowing them to be stored for more extended periods. Examples include pizza, burritos, nuggets, and French fries.

2. Canned, processed food

Canned processed foods are usually fruits and vegetables that have been pre-prepared and preserved in some way, such as canning or pickling. Examples include canned tomatoes, beans, corn, soups, stews, tuna fish, and other seafood.

3. Ready meals

Ready meals are prepared dishes that only require reheating. They typically come as frozen dinners but also found in cans or microwaveable trays with their sauce or gravy already included. Examples include lasagnas, curries, and shepherd’s pies.

4. Pre-cooked meat products

The manufacturer precooks pre-cooked meat products before packaging to extend their shelf life without refrigeration during storage or transportation. Examples include sausages, bacon, and various deli types of meat, such as ham and turkey breast slices.

5. Chips/crisps

Chips/crisps are thin slices of potatoes or other starches deep-fried in oil until they become crispy and crunchy. Snacks come flavored with different seasonings or served plain with dips or sauces.

6. Processed dairy products

Processed dairy products are highly modified from their original state by adding ingredients like sweeteners, for example, to increase their shelf life after pasteurization. These ingredients may also influence the texture of yogurt, such as creaminess. Examples include yogurt, cheeses, cream cheese, and sour cream.

7 . Packaged baked goods are ready-made treats such as cookies, muffins, donuts, etc., which are baked by manufacturers and then packaged for sale. They often contain preservatives to maintain freshness.

People need nutrition not Ultra processed foods linked to cancer

Here’s an editorial found in the British medical journal by : Carlos A Monterio and Geoffrey Cannon

The editorial is an exciting read that discusses the breakdown of the natural composition of whole foods and how going through an ultra-processed food procedure changes your eating design. Food corporations typically recreate items like formulas in a lab by adding their unique process and blend of ingredients. Corporations rely heavily on their marketing departments to create slick ads and market them as ready-to-heat and-eat meals. Low-cost components in this food group prevent some consumers from spending more money on healthier choices. Eating these food groups contributes to the high obesity rate amongst certain groups, that can lead to heart disease. Is there more proof you need?

Here are some tips to protect yourself from chronic inflammation.

The first step in protecting yourself from chronic inflammation is to avoid ultra-processed foods, which are the primary source of calories eaten in the US and contribute almost 90% of added sugars consumed. Instead, focus on eating whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. Additionally, it is essential to limit your intake of saturated fats and refined carbohydrates while increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements or fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel. Finally, regular physical activity helps reduce inflammation by improving circulation and reducing stress levels.

Cut back on ultra processed foods that are linked to cancer

Cutting back on ultra-processed foods is essential in maintaining a healthy diet. The best way to do this is by cooking more often at home without using ultra-processed ingredients. Doing this will help you appreciate the value of meals shared with family and friends. In addition, research has indicated that people who eat together tend to make healthier choices, such as eating more vegetables, fewer sugary drinks, and less fried food.

When cooking at home, it’s important to check food labels for saturated fat, sodium, and sugar quantity. Additionally, snacking on whole foods instead of pre-packaged snacks can help reduce your intake of ultra-processed foods. Finally, reducing fast food consumption is another excellent way to mitigate ultra-processed foods. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that you eat healthier and avoid unhealthy processed foods.

Check out my latest post on nutrition and supplements that can help fight inflammation: Foods and Supplements to Help Fight Chronic Inflammation

Finding less-processed substitutes

Eating a diet that is low in ultra-processed foods can be beneficial for your health. One of the easiest ways to do this is to purchase less ready-made and packaged foods and eat more whole and minimally processed foods. For instance, get plain yogurt instead of flavored yogurt with added ingredients, make your baked chicken nuggets rather than buying frozen ones, etc.; they only require a little extra time.

In addition to cutting out ultra-processed foods, it’s also essential to eliminate sugary sodas and sports drinks. Instead of choosing glasses with many additives and little to no nutrients, opt for healthier alternatives such as sparkling water with lemon or lime, unsweetened teas, or plain water.

In conclusion, ultra-processed foods should be consumed in moderation. While it may be convenient and often quite tasty, it’s clear that these foods come with potential risks to your health and well-being. If possible, focus on eating a diet comprised of fresh ingredients and minimally processed items. Try to include lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins to provide the most nutritious results. Your body will thank you!

Wrap Up:

Read MY STORY on how I was fat and unmotivated, turned my life around, and stopped eating ultra-processed foods. I will tell you what I did to start the process of losing weight, exercising, and eating right. I am a regular guy who was able to change his life around, and you can too. Also, check out Stop the Global Fast Food Insanity! – FAT FIT FREE , Losing weight with psychedelic mushrooms! and How Exercise Improves Your Mental Health– FAT FIT FREE

Check out my latest updated iFIT Challenge Post: iFIT Challenge: Staying motivated to workout, and Cold Plunge: 5 Health Benefits, Full body workout for beginners, Are Seed Oils Bad For You?

Please send, me your comments below and let me know what you think about Ultra-Processed foods that are linked to cancer.

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