The Secret Cost of Your Love Affair with Processed Foods
America has a long-standing love affair with processed foods. We crave them, we seek them out, and we consume them in staggering amounts. From fast food to frozen meals, processed foods are everywhere in our modern diet. While they are convenient and often cheaper than whole foods, they come with a cost. Our reliance on processed food has led to a host of health problems, from obesity and diabetes to heart disease and cancer.
We Are Addicted
- Americans consume an average of 57 pounds of added sugar per year, which is equivalent to about 17 teaspoons per day.
- Processed foods account for about 70% of the American diet.
- In the last 50 years, the amount of sugar in the American diet has increased by 30%.
- High-fructose corn syrup is found in many processed foods, and it has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
- A typical American breakfast cereal contains more sugar per serving than a chocolate chip cookie.
- Processed foods often contain unhealthy fats, which can lead to high cholesterol and heart disease.
- Processed meats, such as hot dogs and bacon, have been classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the World Health Organization, meaning they are known to cause cancer in humans.
- The average American consumes about 3,400 milligrams of sodium per day, which is more than double the recommended daily intake of 1,500 milligrams.
- Processed foods often contain chemical additives, such as artificial colors and flavors, which have been linked to hyperactivity in children.
- Processed foods often have a higher calorie density than whole foods, meaning they contain more calories per gram of food. This can lead to a cycle of overeating and weight gain.
The Rise of Processed Food
Before we delve into the impact of processed food on our health, it’s important to understand how we got here. The rise of processed food is largely due to changes in our food system over the past century. The advent of industrial farming and food processing techniques led to an abundance of cheap, highly processed foods. In the post-World War II era, food companies began using a host of additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors to make their products more appealing to consumers. This allowed for longer shelf lives and more profit, but at the cost of our health.
The Convenience Trap
One of the biggest reasons for our reliance on processed food is convenience. We live in a fast-paced society that values efficiency and speed above all else. Processed foods are designed to be quick and easy to prepare, which is perfect for our busy lifestyles. But this convenience comes with a cost. Processed foods are often high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Is the convenience worth the cost?
The Cost of Cheap Food
Processed foods are often cheaper than whole foods, which makes them an attractive option for people on a tight budget. However, the true cost of cheap food is hidden in the long-term health consequences. In the short term, it may seem like a good deal, but over time, the health effects can be devastating.
The Impact of Processed Food on Our Health
Processed food has a devastating impact on our health. Let’s take a closer look at the specific health problems that can arise from our reliance on processed food.
Obesity
Obesity is a major health problem in America, and our reliance on processed food is a significant contributing factor. Processed foods are often high in calories and unhealthy fats, which can lead to weight gain. They also tend to be low in fiber, which can make us feel less full, causes us to absorb more calories, and lead to overeating. Obesity is linked to a host of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Diabetes
The rise of processed food has also contributed to the diabetes epidemic in America. Processed foods are often high in sugar, which can lead to insulin resistance and ultimately, type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can lead to a host of health problems, including blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
Heart Disease
Our reliance on processed food has also contributed to the rise of heart disease in America. Processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats and sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease. In addition, the high sugar content in processed foods can also contribute to heart disease by increasing inflammation in the body.
Cancer
The link between processed food and cancer is less well known, but it’s no less important. Processed meats, in particular, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. The nitrates and nitrites used in processed meats have been shown to cause cancer in animals, and studies suggest that they may have a similar effect on humans. Additionally, the high sugar content in processed foods can also contribute to the development of cancer by increasing inflammation in the body.
Sound bad? Ok — what do we do instead?
Eat whole foods: Whole foods are the best way to ensure that we are getting all the nutrients we need to be healthy. Choose foods that are as close to their natural state as possible, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Cook at home: Cooking at home is a great way to ensure that we are in control of what we eat. It also allows us to use fresh, whole ingredients and avoid the harmful additives found in many processed foods.
Read labels: If you do buy processed foods, be sure to read the labels carefully. Look for products that are low in sugar and unhealthy fats and avoid products that contain harmful additives and preservatives. If you don’t know what something is, should you be putting it in your body?
Choose healthier alternatives: When you do crave processed foods, look for healthier alternatives. For example, instead of potato chips, try air-popped popcorn or kale chips.
Make small changes: Making small changes to your diet can have a big impact over time. Start by swapping out one processed food for a healthier alternative and build from there.
