Life Kit Ultra-processed foods are everywhere. Here's how to avoid them
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Jun 20, 2023 Maria Godoy, NPR health correspondent and ultra-processed food expert, dives into the hidden health risks of these convenient snacks. She discusses the challenges of spotting ultra-processed foods while grocery shopping and offers practical tips for healthier choices. Godoy advocates for the 80-20 rule to balance enjoyment and nutrition in our diets. Plus, she emphasizes the importance of reading labels and discovering better snack alternatives to navigate the world of processed foods without compromising health.
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Ultra-Processed Food Ingredients
- Ultra-processed foods contain added sugars, colorings, flavorings, and other industrial ingredients.
- These foods are engineered to be tasty, cheap, convenient, and shelf-stable, contributing to their overconsumption.
Health Risks of Ultra-Processed Foods
- Research links overconsumption of ultra-processed foods to serious health risks like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
- Studies show increased risks of premature death from all causes associated with these foods.
NIH Study on Ultra-Processed Foods
- In a NIH study, participants on an ultra-processed diet gained weight and ate 500 more calories daily compared to those on an unprocessed diet.
- This suggests that something about the processing itself may contribute to overeating.