The current affairs program Panorama explores a potential link between ultra-processed foods and an increase in chronic diseases. Tonight’s (June 5) documentary explores these instant foods and how they can affect our health.
The BBC program description said, “The UK is facing a chronic disease epidemic, diabetes rates at record levels and cancer among young people soaring. Now this has to do with the food we eat.” “There is increasing evidence to suggest that
“Ultra-processed convenience foods contain chemicals that UK regulators say are safe, and Panorama is new science showing links between some of these chemicals and cancer, diabetes and stroke. We are looking for evidence.”
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What are ultra-processed foods?
Foods are classified into four categories: unprocessed or minimally processed. Processed ingredients (sugar, etc.) that are generally not edible as they are. processed foods; and ultra-processed foods.
Ultra-processed foods typically contain 5 or more ingredients. These are made primarily from substances extracted from foods such as fats, starches, added sugars, hydrogenated fats, and contain many additives not commonly used in home cooking, such as preservatives, emulsifiers, sweeteners, and synthetic colorings. They tend to contain additives and ingredients. and artificial fragrances. Such foods typically have a long shelf life, but are high in fat, sugar, and salt, low in fiber, and have little or no nutritional value.
Examples of these foods include chips, potato chips, biscuits, cakes, pies, cereals, chocolate bars, instant soups, ice creams, hams, sausages, mass-produced breads, sodas, fruit-flavoured yogurts, and whiskeys. Some alcoholic beverages, such as gin. ,rum.
Some ultra-processed foods are better for us than others. Whole-grain breads, whole-grain cereals, and baked beans have nutritional benefits over other foods in this category. You can also buy plain yogurt and make simple changes like adding fresh, frozen or dried fruit. Similarly, opt for oatmeal porridge over processed cereals that are high in sugar.
What are the health risks of ultra-processed foods?
By eating ultra-processed foods, we deprive our bodies of a more nutritious diet. There are also suggestions that the additives in these foods can have adverse effects on our bodies.
The NHS says these foods can lead to more sugar, salt and fat intake than recommended. Also, by adding large amounts of sugar and fat, consuming more calories can lead to weight gain and obesity.
NHS Wales reported that one study reported in the British Medical Journal found that “a 10 percent increase in the proportion of ultra-processed foods in the diet was associated with a 12 percent and 11 percent increase in overall cancer risk. is related to,” he said. “Breast cancer risk reaches percentage points. Several studies have previously suggested that ultra-processed foods contribute to an increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders such as obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia.” .”
of British Heart Foundation Several studies have linked high intake of ultra-processed foods with increased risk of heart disease and death, saying that the more you eat, the higher your risk. It is also believed that the consumption of ultra-processed foods affects gut bacteria, which we now know are very important to our overall health.
* Panorama: Ultra-Processed Food: Recipes for Poor Health? On BBC One on Monday 5th June at 8pm
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