‘Processed Food’ is the buzzword on the planet of well being and health. In reality, it has been a serious concern amongst all whether or not to incorporate such meals of their on a regular basis food regimen. A mere search on the web will convey forth numerous theories and skilled opinions on the identical, in the end leaving you confused. But fret not, we have now received your again. In this text, nutritionist and weight reduction coach Mohita Mascarhenas breaks down the concept of ‘processed meals’ so that you can assist make a smart determination whereas planning your meals. So, with out additional ado, let’s get going.

What Is Considered As Processed Food? Is It Bad For Health?

According to WebMD, the time period ‘processed meals’ refers to any form of meals merchandise that has been modified from its pure state. This can embrace those that had been “simply cut, washed, heated, pasteurized, canned, cooked, frozen, dried, dehydrated, mixed, or packaged”. That’s not all. Even meals together with preservatives, components, flavours, and fat fall beneath the ‘processed meals’ class. And that is the place the confusion begins.

Usually, individuals are inclined to keep away from processed foods pondering they embrace preservatives and are unhealthy for well being. But the reality is strictly the alternative. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, at present nearly each sort of meals merchandise undergoes processing to increase shelf life. So, you will need to perceive the kind of processing a meals has undergone earlier than together with or excluding it out of your meals regime.

Also Read: Can You Really Eat Processed Food And Be Healthy? British Health Experts Say Yes

Is It Safe To Eat Processed Food Every Day?

Let’s get it straight – not all processed foods are unhealthy in your well being. Certain meals, like milk, want processing to exclude micro organism and maintain them protected for consumption. A WebMD report weighs in that even cooking and baking fall beneath the class of meals processing, which in some circumstances makes the meals edible and more healthy. This subsequently means you’re together with processed meals in your food regimen every day.

Also Read: Your Favourite Junk Food May Have 32 Different Health Risks: Study Finds

Classification Of Processed Foods | Different Types Of Processed Foods:

Nutritionist Mohita Mascarhenas took to Instagram to share a submit on how one can establish and differentiate the wholesome and unhealthy ‘processed meals’. “Our food comes from across the globe. Processing ensures that it lasts the journey. Ultra-processed foods, however, are usually calorie-dense, nutrient-poor, and easy to over-consume,” she states, including that these ‘Processed Foods’ are often categorized into 4 teams.

Group 1: Minimally Processed Foods:

This group contains meals like recent fruit and veggies, dry fruits, frozen greens, nuts, dal, fish, meat, and many others., the place the undesirable half is eliminated to make them edible. Here, you don’t add something to the unique substance whereas processing. These are the meals components we use to prepare dinner our meals.

Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients:

This group accommodates choices like cooking oils, butter, cream, sugar, honey, spices, salt, and many others. These meals grow to be edible after urgent, refining, grinding, milling, or drying the meals from Group 1. These components are often added to meals that we prepare dinner every single day.

Group 3: Processed Foods:

This group includes canned meals, artisanal bread, cheese, wine, beer, and many others. which might be processed with extra oil, salt, sugar, or different issues from Groups 1 and a couple of. These meals additionally bear canning, pickling, smoking, curing, or fermentation earlier than consumption.

Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods:

This group usually contains meals that bear intensive manufacturing processes. In different phrases, these are also known as junk meals. From breakfast cereals to on the spot meals, packaged drinks, and extra – all the pieces falls beneath this class. Here, the meals objects are an final result of formulations comprised of a collection of processes, together with extraction and chemical modification of a specific ingredient. These meals are excessive in energy, and trans fat, and infrequently result in numerous well being hazards.

Also Read: Not All Ultra-Processed Foods May Be Bad For Health, Recent Study Finds

For higher meal planning, we recommend consulting an skilled to know your physique sort and the meals that may go alongside. Enjoy your meals mindfully!