Why Are Processed Foods Unhealthy?

By Cliff Walsh


Americans received a failing grade from the USDA based on the healthiness of our eating habits at home. Even more unfortunate than that is the fact that it is more difficult to eat well when dining out, and nearly half of Americans frequent fast-food chains and a quarter of us eat outside the home at least once a week, according to a variety of research.

Unfortunately, Americans have chosen fast and cheap over quality. This means highly processed foods with low-cost, unhealthy ingredients with long shelf lives. The most concerning processed foods are those with dangerous chemicals added to them to add flavor, texture, sweetness, or to preserve the so-called integrity of the product. The typical processed food contains unhealthy amounts of fat, sodium, sugar or artificial sweeteners, and other dangerous ingredients, many of which we don't know the long-term risks about. It is easy to see something has gone wrong when you look at the substantial rise in health issues among Americans in recent years.

The processed foods that carry these health risks are not dangerous only because of their lack of nutritional content or the chemical exposure, but also because they can be addicting as well. Some of the artificial sweeteners are so strong that our brains can't handle the impact. They can also have a damaging effect on the brain such as neurotoxicity, as well as other troublesome conditions, including cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson's.

Why are these chemicals in our food supply to begin with? Despite the mainstream belief that the FDA oversees the approval of chemicals that go into our food supply, nothing could be farther from the truth. Chemical companies approve their own chemicals with the FDA having virtually zero legal ability to limit the use of any food additive. These companies do not even need to inform the FDA that new ingredients have been brought to market. It is a ludicrous process.

Given the lack of research surrounding long-term risks, avoiding foods created by a scientist is probably the best way to go. I prefer to eat only organic, whole foods. I choose not to poison myself. I don't know why so many other Americans choose to do so. Perhaps it is a lack of knowledge or a focus on short-term pleasure rather than pain. I don't know the answer, but I do know we need to be more aware of the chemicals in our food. We also should do our own homework and not blindly accept the next food craze or superfood as gospel when the companies telling us about them are the ones that profit from them.

In order to understand what you're putting into your body, you need to learn to read food ingredient labels. If you can't understand the words or the list is too long, it's probably not good for you. The best approach to healthy eating and eliminating dangerous toxins from your diet is to eat organic, whole foods, lean poultry, meat, and fish, as well as healthy fats.




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