Medindia
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

15 Surprising Facts About Processed Foods

What are Processed Foods?

Processed foods refer to foods that have been altered from their natural state and are preserved and packed in boxes, cans, or bags for safety reasons as in pasteurized milk, or for convenience as in canned foods. Canning, freezing, refrigeration, dehydration, and aseptic processing are some methods used in making processed foods. Breakfast cereals, canned fruits and fruit juices, chips, and processed meat are examples of processed foods (1 Trusted Source
Processed foods: contributions to nutrition

Go to source
).

Advertisement

Facts About Processed Foods

  1. Foods are usually processed to kill harmful bacteria or other microorganisms, and make them safer with a longer shelf life and better convenience (2 Trusted Source
    Antimicrobial resistance in the food chain: a review

    Go to source
    ).
  2. Food processing removes some of the nutrients, vitamins, and fiber present in the food (3 Trusted Source
    The impact of food processing on the nutritional quality of vitamins and minerals

    Go to source
    ).
  3. Processing can also affect the taste of the food as manufacturers may add cheap or artificial sugar, salts, fats or additives to improve or restore the flavor or properties of the food (4 Trusted Source
    Taste of Modern Diets: The Impact of Food Processing on Nutrient Sensing and Dietary Energy Intake

    Go to source
    ).
  4. Daily munching of processed foods promotes aging and kidney damage as they can have phosphates and genetically engineered ingredients added to them (5 Trusted Source
    Ultra-Processed Food Consumption is Associated with Renal Function Decline in Older Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study

    Go to source
    ).
Advertisement
  1. Processed foods are highly addictive and make you crave them constantly. Excess consumption of these foods can lead to obesity and other health problems (6 Trusted Source
    Consumption of ultra-processed foods and health status: a systematic review and meta-analysis

    Go to source
    ).
  2. It is impossible to burn calories quicker while consuming processed meals (7 Trusted Source
    A Critical Review on the Role of Food and Nutrition in the Energy Balance

    Go to source
    ).
  3. Processed foods are obtained from laboratories and are not natural. The foods are genetically modified and may cause gastrointestinal disorders, infertility and damage to your internal organs (8 Trusted Source
    Diet and Nutritional Factors in Male (In)fertility - Underestimated Factors

    Go to source
    ).
  4. Frequent intake of processed foods can make people become angry and irritable, whereas consumption of natural, whole foods can help level out your mood, sustain energy levels and leave you feeling calmer and relaxed (9 Trusted Source
    Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

    Go to source
    ).
  5. Are you having cereals for breakfast? You better watch out as research has found that pesticides and chemicals have found their way into cereal packets too (10 Trusted Source
    Effect of handling and processing on pesticide residues in food- a review

    Go to source
    ).
Advertisement
  1. Some processed foods like peanut butter, blueberry jam, homemade cranberry juice, apple juice, and grape juice, are healthy choices that can be harmless (11 Trusted Source
    Fruit Juices: Are They Helpful or Harmful? An Evidence Review

    Go to source
    ).
  2. Trans fats and sugar found in processed foods can cause inflammation, which can lead to asthma attacks (12 Trusted Source
    Fatty acids, inflammation, and asthma

    Go to source
    ).
  3. Sulfite is the main artificial preservative agent that is found in a range of processed foods including meat, dairy products, dried fruits, dried vegetables, French fries and chutneys (13 Trusted Source
    Review of sulfite sensitivity

    Go to source
    ). Sulfite exposure is associated with symptoms like headache, irritable bowel syndrome, skin rashes, behavioral problems and asthma.
  4. Nearly 70% of American diets consist of processed foods.
  5. The consumption of ultra-processed foods was responsible for 21.8% of all preventable noncommunicable disease deaths.
  6. Children between the ages of 3 and 5 who consumed more ultra-processed meals showed lower locomotor skills than those who consumed less of these foods.

Advertisement
Last Updated on Mar 04, 2023
Recommended Readings

Processed Foods - Related News

Highly Processed Foods and Poor Diet Quality Among Japanese Youth
Study finds that highly processed foods account for over 25% of energy intake among Japanese youths, linked to poor diet quality.
Gut Bacteria and Anxiety: The Hidden Link to Junk Food
High-fat diets can disrupt gut bacteria, leading to anxiety. Understanding this connection is crucial for maintaining overall health.
More Junk Food and Less Exercise May Increase Risk of Piles, Fistula and Fissures
Eating too many junk foods and doing too little exercise can lead to piles, fistulas and fissures in young adults aged between 18 and 25 years.
How Junk Food Harms Nutrient Absorption?
Regularly eating junk food disrupts nutrient intake, leading to deficiencies, experts caution.
Health Risks of Rising Processed Food Consumption in India
Rising processed food intake in India could negatively impact health, prompting calls for nutritional regulation and healthier alternatives, according to a government report.
More Related News

Post a Comment

Comments should be on the topic and should not be abusive. The editorial team reserves the right to review and moderate the comments posted on the site.

Health Facts
View all
Advertisement
What's New on Medindia
Top 6 Cancer-Causing Foods That You Should Avoid
World Arthritis Day: 'Informed Choices, Better Outcomes'
Ayurvedic Massages: The Key to Holistic Wellness
View all
Advertisement
Get Health and Wellness Secrets from Our Engaging eBooks
Stay Connected
Available on the Android Market Available on the App Store
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close