The ultra-processed foods that appear healthy but are quietly doing harm

Summary

The ultra-processed foods that appear healthy but are quietly doing harm – UPFs are readily available, very popular and often hard to resist, especially when people are feeling pressed for time

Source: The Independent on MSN.com

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Q1: What are ultra-processed foods and how are they typically produced?

A1: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrially manufactured foods designed to be convenient, palatable, and affordable. They often contain multiple ingredients and additives such as preservatives, sweeteners, colorings, and emulsifiers. UPFs typically go through processes like moulding/extruding, hydrogenation, or frying. These foods are highly profitable due to their long shelf life and low production costs, often achieved through the use of food additives.

Q2: How has the consumption of ultra-processed foods changed over the years?

A2: Since the 1990s, the sales of ultra-processed foods have consistently increased or remained high globally. Countries like the United States and the United Kingdom lead in UPF consumption, with about 58% and 57% of daily calories, respectively, coming from these foods as of 2023. The consumption levels in countries such as Chile, France, Mexico, and Spain are between 25% to 35%.

Q3: What are the health impacts associated with consuming ultra-processed foods?

A3: Consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with non-communicable diseases and obesity. A 2024 meta-analysis in The BMJ identified 32 studies linking UPF consumption with negative health outcomes. These foods are often low in fiber and high in calories, salt, added sugar, and fat, which contribute to health issues when consumed excessively.

Q4: What criticisms exist regarding the classification and impact assessment of ultra-processed foods?

A4: Critics argue that the concept of 'ultra-processed foods' is poorly defined and that the Nova classification system focuses too much on food type rather than quantity. Furthermore, there is a lack of attributed mechanisms for the health effects of UPFs, as current research does not provide specific explanations for how they affect body systems.

Q5: How do the additives in ultra-processed foods affect health, particularly in processed foods like those containing IQ?

A5: Additives in ultra-processed foods, such as 2-Amino-3-methyl-3H-imidazole [4,5-f]quinoline (IQ), can negatively impact health. A study found that co-administration of IQ and the flavonoid myricetin led to liver damage in mice, highlighting how certain dietary components can exacerbate the toxicity of additives found in processed foods.

Q6: Why might some researchers criticize the lack of mechanisms explaining the health effects of ultra-processed foods?

A6: Some researchers criticize the lack of mechanisms because, while epidemiological data associates UPFs with negative health outcomes, there is little understanding of the specific biological processes involved. Critics argue that more detailed research is needed to understand how UPFs affect metabolism and contribute to diseases.

Q7: What role does food processing play in environmental impact and food security?

A7: Food processing can reduce food waste and improve food preservation, thereby reducing the environmental impact of agriculture and improving food security. While primary and secondary food processing are necessary for food safety and transforming ingredients into edible forms, tertiary processing, which results in ultra-processed foods, is often criticized for promoting unhealthy dietary patterns.