Dumaguete City – Aside from losing someone special, eating too much processed food especially utra-processed food will break your heart. Consuming ultra-processed foods such as packaged snacks, sugary cereals and drinks, chicken nuggets, and instant soup may leave people more prone to heart disease and an early death. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of heart disease or cardiovascular (CVD) incidence and death, with each additional daily serving found to further increase risk.
CVDs are the world's leading cause of mortality, accounting for one out of every three deaths. In the Philippines, CVDs are also the leading cause of death with an estimated 50,000 people dying each year. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention cautioned that our lifestyle can increase our risk for heart disease. According to CDC, eating a diet high in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol, lack of physical activity, drinking too much alcohol, tobacco use are behaviors that increase the risk of heart disease.
Ultra-processed foods aren't just full of fat, sugar, salt, and calories. They are also low in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help prevent heart disease. Preservatives and other additives in ultra-processed foods might also contribute to weight gain, prediabetes, and inflammation, all of which are hard on the heart.
There are three classification of processed foods - unprocessed, processed, and ultra-processed are the three classifications of processed foods. Unprocessed foods are natural edible plant and animal parts whose nutritional value has not been compromised. Processed foods are foods that have been added with salt, sugar, or fats prepared from only a few ingredients and ready to enjoy right away. Ultra-processed foods are foodstuffs that are extensively altered and go through many procedures (extrusion, molding, grinding, etc.).
Processed foods aren't all awful. Some ailments have been prevented by processing particular foods and adding Vitamin A or Vitamin C, for example, and this appears to boost health. However, its benefit outweighs the risk.
When considering whether to include a processed product in one's diet, read nutrition facts or product label for guidance. Substitute ultra-processed foods with whole foods, such as grains, nuts, seeds, lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and legumes to improve one's diet. Remember the principle of moderation, variety and balance in preparing food for your family and loved ones. // ND II Raya Faith A. Luce, RND
