The processed foods They are those that are not consumed in the natural state in which they are found in nature. This term is usually assigned to those who are treated industrially, adding various.
These include preservatives (such as salt), artificial flavors, colorants or foods that are subjected to high or low temperatures, change in consistency, mixes with other foods or due to the type of presentation and packaging..
There is also processed meat, such as ham, sausages, cold cuts or hot dogs, which in addition to increasing the risk of cancer and other health damages, can cause microbial diseases such as listeriosis, staphylococcus or botulism..
On the other hand, it is important to take into account the degrees of processing; not all foods have the same degree of processing. For example, yogurt has a low level of processing, while industrial biscuits have a high level of processing. Likewise, pure chocolate has little or no processing, but industrial chocolate aimed at the general public has a high degree of processing..
Attempts have been made to classify food according to the degree or level of food processing and its potential impact on health. In this sense, one of the most recent classifications recommends separating these foods into the following categories:
To this group belong those who in the industrial process, the healthy properties of food are not substantially modified and their objective is to facilitate their consumption. They are packaged without the addition of components that affect health, such as excess sodium.
Includes meat, milk (and yogurt), whole grains, legumes, fresh and perishable unprocessed foods; legumes, nuts, fruits, vegetables, roots and tubers.
In these foods, processes such as; pressing, grinding, grinding, refining, "purifying", hydrogenation, hydrolysis, extrusion, use of enzymes and additives, obtaining manufactured products or culinary ingredients (oils, fats, sugar and sweeteners, starches, high fructose corn syrup, lactose , milk and soy proteins, gums, preservatives and cosmetic additives and others).
They are combinations of the above to obtain a quick preparation. They are high in saturated, total or trans fats, in addition to sugars, sodium, all deficient in micronutrients, dietary fiber and high energy density.
They carry a very bad reputation and, without a doubt, are processed foods because they use oils that are treated at extreme temperatures and generally producing trans-type fats that are harmful to health, but their direct or indirect consumption has become widespread..
They are actually candies (sweets), because what they usually bring is sugar and are based on refined cereals that go through various stages until they reach those attractive packages that are promoted so much in the media..
It is nothing new that when checking the labels of the cookies we find a long list of ingredients, among which salt is usually found, although they are usually sweet cookies, this is not an impediment since they favor their duration.
One of the worst choices for our diet, as they contain a mixture of additives, among which many of them have been highly questioned for being related to the incidence of various types of diseases.
Similar to the previous ones but these are usually sold in compact form, and in addition to a very high salt addition, we can find monosodium glutamate among others.
One of the queens of the processed, since obviously they are not natural. These types of industries boast of having their "secret formulas", in which various compounds are undoubtedly added (some of doubtful origin) that end up in those refreshing and addictive products that we consume in abundance.
They are widely distributed and consumed because they are easy to prepare. Logically they are processed, since these meats (whether chicken, beef, pork or fish) are subjected to various treatments and the addition of mixtures of other ingredients.
Highly processed foods, since the meat they use goes through different stages until it is selected for use and, like Nuggets, receives a mix of additives for its final presentation.
The industry that makes this type of sausage is usually the same as hams, and includes a long list of processes in which, for example, meat is pressed and various preservatives and flavorings are added..
Especially the version of the pre-frits that simplify life for many people, but logically increase the chain of addition of artificial substances and / or harmful to health.
High-fat meat already goes through a long process and its curing includes high-temperature processes, flavorings, preservatives and stabilizers that give it its distinctive characteristics, for example, smoked meat..
Based on milk, but logically industrially treated to achieve the characteristic solid consistency and added with ingredients such as salt and yeast according to the type of manufacture.
To get to that attractive paste, the peanuts or peanuts must be logically ground and also previously roasted..
They tend to enjoy a very good reputation and are recommended for children. However, their main attraction is the artificial colors and flavors that give them the characteristics that make them so delicious (I am not saying that they are good or bad).
Although yogurt is a processed food, it does not have a high degree of processing and can be considered healthy if taken in adequate amounts..
Of great choice in athletes and young people, they are a mixture of various foods subjected to an elaboration that includes various techniques, so they are not natural and fall into this classification.
In addition to what we already know about this food, we cannot ignore that it is made with many of its ingredients in dehydrated form, which is why it is a 100% processed food.
The tomatoes that are used for their preparation are usually unnatural and everything is subjected to high temperature treatments, so do not doubt that it is also a processed food.
To obtain the format in terms of size, consistency and longer duration, the process of this type of bread is much more extensive and sophisticated than the one we can make at home..
The fact that it is refined already indicates that it goes through different stages of processing, to finally obtain that white and almost glistening sugar that we find in stores.
Natural fruit contains water, and to offer another alternative that is easier to transport and longer lasting, the industry has promoted the trade of this canned variety.
Heat treatments from pasteurization to UHT have been very useful for the duration and safety of this popular fluid, without considering the addition of flavors to make it even more attractive and of a greater range..
Fish are not caught in a tin jar, with that I say it all to classify them as processed foods, and not to mention the whole process they undergo afterwards..
Natural fruit juice should last only a few days with its characteristics intact, therefore those juices that are sold in stores and last for months, logically are processed.
They are very useful when we do not have much time to fully prepare our own pizza and they remain for weeks without alteration.
Logically, when dehydrated we speak of a processed food, because that is not its natural state. This fact has made it possible to massify and be more affordable for the population with fewer resources..
Checking its label, the first thing I find is the addition of vinegar and then the use of tartrazine and colorants such as twilight yellow to give the characteristic hue..
Logically, it is not just tomato, and starting with the process of changing its consistency, they immediately receive all the ingredients that accentuate flavor and other characteristics..
Logically, it is not natural cocoa, so milk, sugar and / or sweeteners, preservatives and colorants are added to reach them, among others..
The use of dyes and sweeteners abound in its processing, which is the key to its success, especially in children (also in adults, let's be honest).
Those of a natural or homemade type are very different from those that are sold to us, which initially are not entirely from the fruit that they declare on the packaging. The industry is always looking for ways to spend less and sell at a higher value.
I make it absolutely clear that the fact that a food is "processed" does not mean that it is "good" or "bad" for that condition, therefore do not be alarmed if you usually consume several of the foods included in the previous list ( in fact I have consumed most of them, of course not all of them regularly).
However, if your diet is based exclusively on these foods, it is to worry and seek an early change in eating habits.
Monosodium glutamate is used to enhance the taste of food and ends up causing a very strong addiction. Once we try it, it is very difficult to give it up, we yearn for it perhaps without even knowing it.
We find it in a large part of processed foods including snacks, preserves, fast food, dehydrated soups and it is very famous in Chinese food..
Additive used by industries to make doughs fluffier, softer and more friendly to the human palate.
It is usually present in products such as cakes, bread, cakes, pastries in general and other sweet or savory doughs.
Without a doubt one of the worst reputable ingredients today. Its addition has been related to a higher incidence of insulin resistance, diabetes, dental cavities, overweight and obesity among other pathologies.
Acrylamide is abundant in foods that are subjected to high-temperature treatments, such as those that are fried or baked..
As you can infer, French fries and other snacks, fast food, and stir fries often contain this compound..
It is used mainly in canned meat derivatives, which extends the shelf life of food.
This compound is used in ham, salamis, mortadella, ham, hams and other similar.
I am not so alarmist about this particular issue, although I would like to provide the following recommendations, only on my personal criteria:
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