By: Rashi Chaudhary
Here’s Why Ultra Processed Food is not “Real Food”
Once you open the packet of chips, there’s no going back. The urge to finish the whole bag of chips is so strong that it makes it hard to resist the cravings. Unfortunately, it is a vicious circle. Sure it makes you feel full and curb hunger. But the harmful ingredients present in the Ultra Processed Food or UPF’s are enough to make you feel tired within a few minutes with other harmful impacts if consumed in excess like obesity, rapid weight gain, diabetes, or serious health issues in some cases like blindness or even death in a Type- 2 diabetic patient according to an article by NPR (National Public Radio) and National Institute of Health as well.
Such unhealthy processed foods are designed in such a way that meant to be overeaten and typically addictive. The addiction to UPF is real. We can’t deny the fact that access to these processed foods is extremely feasible. That’s why people prefer to eat them because of the utmost convenience over cooking nutritious food that may take a long. This is one of the major reasons why the consumption of UPf’s has become more common across the world.
As a matter of fact, processed food is not “Real Food”. Know why?
Well, this blog is an eye-opener for all of you. Whether you always keep a bag of chips handy or not, this is something that you must read so that when the next time hunger strikes, you know what to consume to overcome hunger!
Let’s dive into the blog straight away!
Why “Ultra Processed Food is not “Real Food”?
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First things first, the purpose of Ultra Processed Food is to provide nourishment to the body. Not only does nutritional food and drinks curb hunger but it feeds the body with essential vitamins, minerals, and protein required for the optimal functioning of the bodily system. Let’s discover one by one how the purpose of UPF’s is exactly the opposite of it.
Keep reading!
UPF’s Don’t Provide Nourishment
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As they say – “You are what you eat”. Eating a well-balanced diet goes a long way to keep you fit, in shape, healthy, protected from illness, boosting gut health, and providing a handful of other benefits which altogether help to improve our lifestyle.
On the other hand, eating highly sugary and chemical-equipped food made with toxic ingredients has no share of health advantages at all. Except they are a profit making machine for the businesses. Their primary purpose is financial growth not for nourishment as they lack in it. The ingredients present in them often include refined sugars, fats, starches, and additives like preservatives, emulsifiers, and flavour enhancers which have no nutritional value at all, which is why they can’t be termed as “Real Food”.
UPF’s Are Made For “Pleasure”
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Ultra-processed foods are made for pleasure by utilising refined ingredients, artificial flavours, and additives to enhance taste, texture, and convenience. Manufacturers employ extensive processing, sweeteners, preservatives, and marketing strategies, crafting products designed for maximum palatability and consumer appeal while extending their shelf-life. They are manufactured to appeal the eyes and please the taste buds which is one of the major reasons for their excessive consumption.
UPF’s Are Linked With Convenient Eating
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For those staying away from home or simply not fond of cooking are the top consumers of ultra-processed food obviously because they are extremely feasible. With the growth of Grocery apps, It just takes 5-10 minutes to get a huge packet of chips or packed burgers or sandwiches delivered to the doorstep of your home. Most of such unhealthy food products are ready-to-eat or often require minimal preparation before consumption.
Additionally, packaging and marketing is carefully done to attract consumers and convey a sense of ease and practicality which influences the purchase rate.
UPF’s Can’t Be Made In The Kitchen
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Ultra processed food can’t be made in your kitchen, not because of the lack of ingredients or the complicated cooking involved rather because they are chemically transformed using multiple industrial processes with certain additives, preservatives, dyes, and non-sugar sweeteners etc. to give a certain taste, texture, appearance which in turn leads to poor dietary nutrition.
On the other hand, the food that can be made easily in the kitchen using the common ingredients is full of taste, flavour, and nutrition required for your body to stay fit, in shape, and protected from various illnesses.
UPF’s Have Empty Calories
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For those of you who don’t know, our body needs calories to turn into energy that we need to get going throughout the day. Considering the scientifically proven fact that processed food has empty calories is of no use. The foods and drinks that contain primarily empty calories are:
- Soft drinks, sports drinks, sweet tea, lemonade, and energy drinks
- Alcohol
- Junk food and fast food
- Candy, including hard candies and sweet or sour chews
- Cakes and donuts
“Empty calories can provide some immediate energy, but they can’t be used to build muscle, supply vitamins, promote a sense of fullness or provide any other nutritional benefits,” says Leslie Ramirez clinical dietitian at Houston Methodist. “And any empty calories not used for energy will be stored as fat.” Ramirez added.
Many ultra-processed foods are calorie-dense but nutrient-poor, leading to a higher intake of empty calories thus rapid weight gain. This can also contribute to overeating without providing necessary nutrients.
What is “Real Food”?
All those foods or beverages which are not industrially processed or adulterated through any means come under real and nutritional food. They contain fibre, protein, healthy fats, minerals, and vitamins that are linked with the growth of the body.If you wish to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed food, all you need is to be mindful while curbing your hunger. Some of the examples are
- Choose natural and fresh juices over packaged ones. They will keep you hydrated while sharing a handful of other health advantages
- Read the labelling carefully before adding it to your grocery list. Don’t get be fooled by the terms like “100% pure” or fresh
- Research the brand in depth to ensure it is healthy, pure, and natural
- Keep healthy snacks handy like Fruits Fresh chemical-free juices, Yoghurt, Makhana, Sprouts, Dry Fruits, Sweet Potatoes, Salads, Smoothies etc. to curb hunger
- Rely on home-style healthy meals to ensure you get the maximum nutrition that lacks in processed food
- Cut back on sugar instead choose healthy sweet alternatives which include fresh cold-pressed juices, nuts, yoghurt, dates, homemade or 100% natural and pure organic sweets
Final Thoughts
It’s important to note that while ultra-processed foods may be pleasurable to consume due to their taste and convenience, they often lack essential nutrients and can contribute to health issues when consumed in excess or in the long run. A balanced diet with a focus on whole is generally recommended for overall well-being.
Also, if you are staying away or simply not fond of cooking, get yourself the most delicious home-style healthy meals delivered from OMKITCHEN. There are 100+ meals, snacks, desserts that too natural, pure, and completely organic.
So, sit back relax, and feed your daily dietary requirements with OMKITCHEN. Visit the website here: https://www.omorganickitchen.com/ or Call/WhatsApp at 8882210294