The foods we eat have a big impact on our overall health. But most people often resort to buying processed foods because it is cheaper, more convenient, easy to prepare, can stave off hunger, and can be store on the shelf for a long time. Processed foods may be well-packaged, delicious and claim added vitamins and minerals however, these foods usually contain artificial ingredients, various chemical compounds and an uneven ratio of sodium, sugar, saturated fats and calories that are harmful to health.

Processed foods, often referred to as pre-prepared foods that have been cooked, canned, frozen, packaged or changed in nutritional composition with fortifying, preserving or preparing in different ways to make it more convenient, shelf-stable or flavorful. Common examples of processed foods include frozen meat and fish, bacon, canned tuna and sardines, ketchup, instant ramen, bread from bakeries, pasteurized milk, yogurt, canned milk (evaporated milk/ condensed milk), margarine, rice placed in tetra packs, breakfast cereals, cheese, cookies, potato chips, granola bars, flavored nuts, microwave popcorn and dried fruit.

Eating processed foods in moderation is fine but consuming heavily processed foods for a long period can lead to potential health effects including increased risk of chronic disease especially cancer and serious health issues like obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

The use of processed foods is the choice of the consumer. Just always check the nutrition labels to avoid anything high in fats, sugars, sodium and chemicals. Slowly replace processed foods in your diet with more simple ingredients that are fresh whole and real foods.

Meanwhile, the National Nutrition Council always reminds the public to follow the 10 Kumainments advocacy campaign to promote a healthy lifestyle and improved nutritional status among Filipinos. (NOILaurito/OIC-NPCFlores)