The word “processing” It’s kind of like a slur.
When we say “processed food,” most of us think of unhealthy, cheap crap. Fresh food from the garden or field is good. After going through processing plants and laboratories, we removed the halo qualities and added lots of bad qualities.
However, this view is short-sighted.We are not going to sustainably feed billions of people with nutritious food without it food processing. The growing backlash against processing is something neither humans nor the planet can tolerate.
Benefits of processed foods
Processed foods are more than Coca-Cola, Dairy Milk Chocolate, and prepared foods. Most plant and animal products are processed in some way to transform them into things we can and would like to eat. We mill grain into flour and make bread. We slaughter animals and remove bones to get meat. Pasteurize the milk.
Processed foods have provided us with countless benefits, many of which we quickly forget.Iodized salt is just one example. Iodine deficiency was once common around the world, leading to increased risk of stillbirth and miscarriage, significantly lower IQ, and slower cognitive development. Most of the world now consumes iodized salt, and many countries are filling this deficit. I made it.
We have been able to preserve food, extend its shelf life and reduce food waste. Reduced the spread of foodborne illness. A person with food allergies or intolerances can eat a balanced diet, he does not have to spend the whole day preparing meals. This is especially important for women’s education and career development. Last but not least is the taste. Our shelves are now lined with delicious food.
Of course, when people talk about “processed” foods, they are often talking about ultra-processed foods (UPF). increase. Companies work hard to find a “Goldilocks” flavor profile that we can’t resist by adding sugar and fat to make foods as palatable as possible. Many describe these finely tuned combinations as addictive.
It is true that increased consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with poorer health. It is associated with lower consumption of essential nutrients such as vitamins C, D and B.12The more of these foods you eat, the more likely you are to be overweight or obese. This puts you at a higher risk of health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. It’s easy to overeat ultra-processed foods.
The problem with most UPFs is that they’re high in calories, sugar, and fat. They’re also low in protein and fiber, nutrients that keep you feeling full.
However, this is not unique to food processing per se. What matters is what companies add to our food. They can make healthier foods if they want or if we request it.
Growing Backlash Against Meat Substitutes
One of the areas where we see the greatest backlash against processing is with meat substitutes.
These products attempt to emulate the meat experience and contain plant proteins such as soy-based sausages. Impossible and Beyond Meat burgers. Proteins made from fermentation, such as Quorn, and lab-grown meats.
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