what counts as “ultra processed” food?

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Read [this article](https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/07/01/health/worst-ultraprocessed-food-early-death-wellness) and though I’m scientifically literate and understand how scientific research can be overdramatized by the media, I’m worried. How I avoid ultra processed food, it is apparently everything. Ugh

In: Biology

15 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Ultra processed foods are a poorly defined category. Each study will likely define it differently. One way to think of it is any food that is made up of more than 80% processed ingredients. Processed ingredients include mechanically separated meats, grain meals, high fructose corn syrups, etc. but again that is one of many potential definitions.

However be wary of any article claiming x leads to y. The human body is a complex thing. Many different factors can lead to all the issues the article describes. Not the least of which is obesity and diabetes. It’s entirely possible the sheer calorie density of ultra processed foods make weight gain more severe leading to all the problems of overweight individuals.

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