2023-10-03 00:13:10
Los processed foods They cover a wide range of products, from healthy options to ultra-processed foods which can be harmful to health if consumed in excess.
It is essential to read the food labels and choose options that are low in sodium, added sugars and saturated fats, and that retain their nutritional value. Awareness about processed foods and their effects on health is essential to making informed dietary decisions.
Below we share useful information about What are processed foods, their characteristics, types, advantages and disadvantages, as well as examples.
What are processed foods?
Los processed foods They are those that have been altered from their natural form through various industrial processes. These processes may include washing, milling, pasteurization, fermentation, adding additives, freezing, and dehydrating, among others. The primary purpose of food processing is to improve its flavor, texture, shelf life, and ease of preparation.
Characteristics
They contain added ingredients such as preservatives, coloring and flavorings.
They tend to have a longer shelf life than fresh foods. They are sold in containers and wrappers. They are often convenient and ready-to-eat. They can be high in sodium, sugars and saturated fats. Its nutritional value can be negatively affected by processing.
Types
Processed foods fall into three main categories:
Minimally processed foods
These are foods that have gone through minimal processing and retain much of their nutritional value. Examples include frozen vegetables, fruits canned in their own juice, and vacuum-packed meat.
Processed foods
This category includes foods that have undergone more extensive processes, such as pasteurization or fermentation. Examples include bread, dairy products and sausages.
Ultra-processed foods
These are highly modified products that often contain additives and are low in nutritional value. Examples include soft drinks, chips, cookies, and prepared foods.
Why are processed foods bad?
While not all processed foods are harmful to your health, ultra-processed foods often contain high amounts of sodium, added sugars, saturated fats, and additives that can contribute to health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. . Additionally, these products are usually low in fiber and essential nutrients.
Advantages
They are convenient and save time preparing meals. They have a longer shelf life, which reduces food waste. They allow access to out-of-season food. They can be a source of certain nutrients when choosing healthy options.
Disadvantages
They can be high in sodium, added sugars and saturated fats. Nutritional quality may be compromised during processing. Additives and preservatives can have negative health effects in excess. They contribute to the epidemic of obesity and diet-related diseases.
Ultra-processed foods
Los ultra-processed foods are a particularly problematic category of processed foods.
These products often contain unhealthy ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, trans fats, and a multitude of additives to improve their flavor, texture, and shelf life.
Examples of ultra-processed foods include carbonated soft drinks, high-calorie fast foods, sugary cereals, and snacks high in saturated fat.
READ ALSO. World Coffee Day. Properties, benefits and disadvantages of its consumption
READ ALSO. Costco vs Sam’s, who’s who in the bread of the dead?
#Processed #foods #characteristics #types #advantages #disadvantages