Processed foods refer to food products that have undergone various mechanical or chemical procedures before being consumed. These procedures often involve altering the natural state of the food in order to enhance its flavor, extend its shelf life, or improve its texture. Commonly found in grocery stores, processed foods are typically pre-packaged and ready-to-eat or require minimal preparation.
Processing typically involves several steps, such as cleaning, sorting, grinding, cooking, fermenting, or adding preservatives or additives. This can include procedures like canning, freezing, baking, roasting, drying, or packaging in order to meet market demands. As a result, processed foods often contain higher levels of salt, sugar, unhealthy fats, or artificial additives than whole, unprocessed foods.
Examples of processed foods include canned fruits and vegetables, deli meats, breakfast cereals, frozen pizzas, snack bars, sodas, cookies, and microwaveable meals. These products often come in brightly colored packaging and are marketed as convenient, quick, and flavorful options for consumers.
However, excessive consumption of processed foods has been associated with various health risks, including obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Therefore, for optimal health, it is recommended to limit the intake of processed foods and prioritize fresh, whole foods in the diet.
