In recent years, health experts have become increasingly concerned about the negative effects of consuming ultra-processed foods. According to a report by the National Institutes of Health, more than half of Americans get most of their daily calories from these highly processed foods. This information is particularly alarming for adolescents and children who may be consuming even more ultra-processed foods.
To help individuals identify which foods in their pantry are ultra-processed, Elizabeth Simkus, a nurse at the RUSH Prevention Center, recommends checking the ingredient list. Look out for hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, flavor enhancers and additives commonly found in packaged snacks, cereals, cookies and fast food. A recent study published in the British Medical Journal linked high consumption of this food to various health problems such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, certain cancers and mental health problems.
If you want to reduce your intake of ultra-processed foods, Simkus suggests starting small by focusing on one type of food at a time. For example, you can start by replacing ultra-processed snacks with healthier alternatives. She advises choosing whole foods such as fruits, vegetables and lean proteins whenever possible and paying attention to nutrition labels on packaged foods. By paying attention to ingredient labels when shopping, you can make a big difference to your overall health and well-being.
