Processing the Facts Behind Processed Food

But are all processed foods really bad for you? To answer this question, we have to first look at why food that is ready to eat is said to be detrimental to health.

· Processed foods refers to edibles that have undergone some process from their natural state; trans fats, salt or sugar, food coloring and preservatives are usually added, and the finished product is either canned, frozen or hermetically sealed in packages. None of the additives are conducive to good health. In fact, some food colors and preservatives cause cancers and other stomach disorders if consumed regularly over a long period of time. Salt raises your blood pressure levels and sugar, if not burned immediately, tends to put you at risk for diabetes. Neither of the two is good for your skin and complexion. Trans fats or unsaturated fats increase your chances of cardiac diseases.

· Processing tends to strip the food item of its essential goodness – for example, white flour is whole wheat devoid of all its grains and nutrients.

· Some processed goods claim to provide wholesome nutrition with synthetic vitamins and minerals. The real thing is always better though – an apple eaten whole or juiced in your blender at home is more nutritious than that carton of apple juice you picked up at the grocery store. It has no preservatives or added sugar.

· Processed meats are especially bad for you because of two reasons – they contain a large quantity of added salt and fat and increase your risk of colorectal and stomach cancer.

Sometimes, convenience and necessity forces us to go for processed food rather than buy fresh ingredients and cook wholesome recipes. In such situations, you need to be able to make informed choices that keep you and your family healthy. So what kinds of processed food are good for you?

· Processed milk which is bacteria-free thanks to the process of pasteurization and homogenized to keep the fat from separating.

· Frozen fruits and vegetables retain essential vitamins and nutrients for a long time

· Fresh juices free of added sugar are available with added vitamins

· Any product made with whole grains

· Any product that has more real food ingredients than man-made or synthetic ingredients

· Any low-fat product with less than 3 grams of fat per serving

· Any unsweetened product

· Any salt-free or low salt product

This article is contributed by Sarah Scrafford, who regularly writes on the topic of Care Plans. She invites your questions and writing job opportunities at her personal email address: sarah.scrafford25@gmail.com.