If you think about it processed food, greasy chips and sugary sodas immediately come to mind. These pose clear health risks. But what if we told you that not all processed foods are created equal? Nutritionist and weight loss coach Mohita Mascargenas recently took to Instagram to break down the different types of processed foods. Cleared up the confusion surrounding processed foods.
According to experts, “processed food” is a broad term that includes any food that has been altered from its natural state. According to WebMD, this includes foods that are “simply cut, washed, heated, pasteurized, canned, cooked, frozen, dried, dehydrated, mixed, or packaged.” However, this also includes foods with added preservatives, nutrients, flavorings, salt, sugar, and fat.
The general perception is as follows processed foods are unhealthy, but the reality is more nuanced. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics points out that almost all foods today are processed in some way to extend their shelf life. Therefore, it is important to understand how a food has been processed before eliminating it from your diet.
Mascargenas shared four main categories of processed foods. “Our food goes all over the world,” she said. “Processing ensures that you survive the journey. ultra-processed foods They are usually high in calories, low in nutritional value, and easy to overdose. ”
Group 1: Minimally processed foods
This group includes fresh fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, frozen vegetables, nuts, lentils, fish, meat, etc. The processing here removes unnecessary and inedible parts, making it suitable for consumption. Nothing is added during processing and these ingredients are typically used to prepare meals.
Group 2: Processed ingredients
This group includes edible oils, butter, cream, sugar, honey, spices, salt, etc., and is derived from pressing, refining, grinding, grinding, or drying Group 1 foods. These ingredients are usually added to the meals we prepare every day.
Group 3: Processed foods
This group includes canned foods, homemade bread, cheese, wine, beer, etc. cooking oil, salt, sugar or other items of groups 1 and 2. These foods may also be canned, pickled, smoked, salted, or fermented before consumption.
Group 4: Ultra-processed foods
This group includes foods that have undergone extensive manufacturing processes, often referred to as junk foods. From breakfast cereals to instant noodles, packaged drinks, etc., these items are formulated through a series of processes such as ingredient extraction and chemical modification. These foods are especially high in calories and unhealthy fats, such as trans fats, which can lead to a variety of health problems.
