The Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods: Navigating Health in the Age of Convenience
In the modern era, our global food system has evolved dramatically. A significant shift has been the universal spread of ultra-processed foods (which is what we started Chief to fight against) and two recent scientific articles shed light on the devastating effects of ultra processed foods. Ultra-processed foods have reshaped eating habits globally over the last 75 years, leading to adverse health outcomes at both individual and societal levels. They encompass a broad range of ready-to-eat products, including packaged snacks, carbonated soft drinks, instant noodles, and ready-made meals. What are Ultra Processed Foods? Despite often being marketed as ‘health products’, these foods are primarily composed of chemically modified substances extracted from foods, along with additives to enhance taste, texture, appearance, and durability, with minimal to no inclusion of whole foods. They are hyper-palatable, high in calories (usually from refined carbohydrates and industrial fats) and low i...