When we started brainstorming a theme for our annual challenge, we quickly agreed that it should be about ultra-processed foods.
The past five years have seen an explosion of scientific research into the link between ultra-processed foods and certain health issues.
Many of us are now looking at what we eat through a new lens. We don’t just focus on the nutrients contained in food. We also look for clues to whether the food has been processed and, if so, how much.
But what exactly should you look for? And how can you make sense of the long list of ingredients?
Today we’re going to play a game that examines your buying habits. Before we get started, let’s review some basics.
What is ultra-processed food?
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are generally defined as products that cannot normally be made in your home kitchen. These include ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, protein isolates, emulsifiers, artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners. Think chicken nuggets, hot dogs, flavored yogurt, soda, many breakfast cereals, packaged breads, and snack foods.
We don’t know exactly when ultra-processed foods began to dominate our diets. they have been part of America’s food supply for decadesbut they probably got a boost in the 1980s and 90s when tobacco companies acquired several large food companies. The products produced by these companies are likely to be high in fat, sugar, carbohydrates, and sodium that you won’t be able to stop eating. research suggests. And over time, their consumption has gradually increased.
Today, ultra-processed foods make up the majority of what we eat, almost 60% of our calories. adult Nearly 70 percent of calories consumed in the United States kids and teens.
How do ultra-processed foods affect our health?
Although there is much scientists are still learning about ultra-processed foods, public health experts are increasingly warning that ultra-processed foods may be contributing to poor health. .
Researchers have pointed to a link with ultra-processed foods. 32 health concernsheart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, certain gastrointestinal diseases, and some types of cancer. Research has also found a link between ultra-processed foods and healthy foods. depression and anxiety.
However, it is not clear whether all ultra-processed foods are harmful to us. For example, one recent study suggests that some things, such as flavored yogurt and cereals, do not. It is also unclear whether ultra-processed foods directly cause poor health or whether other aspects of people’s lives are to blame.
It could take decades for researchers to figure out exactly why UPF is associated with negative health effects. Still, most experts agree that there is enough evidence to suggest that we should reduce our intake of ultra-processed foods.
But we all have families to feed, and the choices at the supermarket are overwhelming. So where do I start?
Well Challenge Day 1: How often do you buy ultra-processed foods? Find out.
Today we will help you understand how often ultra-processed foods enter your cart when you go to the market. You don’t have to leave your seat for this.
We designed a digital game where you go “shopping” in a store to learn more about ultra-processed foods.
So stay tuned for more UPF challenges throughout the week.
