• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to secondary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

  • Vacation Retreat
    • North America
    • Europe
    • Asia
  • Yoga
  • Wellness
    • Experts
  • Health Facts
  • Vegetarian Diet
  • Yoga Shop
    • Canada Store
    • US Store
You are here: Home / Food / Common health concerns about processed food

Common health concerns about processed food

July 14, 2018 By Prem Lee Prasannan

Why is processed food a health risk?

The health concerns of processed food have been in the research domain for decades now. The multi-billion-dollar food processing and manufacturing industry has been heavily investing in the preparation and marketing of tasty processed food products at attractive and affordable prices. Consumers rarely pay attention to the nutritional facts of these food items that flood our grocery stores.

Even though there is a lot of ongoing research happening and some information is readily available in the public domain, people tend to disregard the alarming health concerns surrounding it. The primary cause of most of our health issues is a poor diet and unhealthy choices.

Pre-packaged food has a high level of risk since it often contains a range of tastemakers, other additives, and preservatives. In most countries, it is mandatory to indicate on the package the key ingredients used in the product and the country of origin of the product. It is often the case that we do not understand the chemicals added as preservatives and other taste-making additives. Studies show that long-term consumption of these ingredients may lead to several minor and major health problems.

packaged food

Are there any health risks associated with products with a longer shelf life?

Processed food items are often prepared to be consumed instantly with little or no cooking. For their longer shelf life, these foods are often packaged and preserved with different types of oils, chemicals, or salt. The excessive use of these items over the long term can affect our health and also damage body organs. There is enough research data to suggest that certain commonly seen diseases are triggered by our routine food habits.

processed-packaged-food

Some of the commonly known diseases are diabetes, obesity, heart disorders, and cancer. Awareness and a careful approach to our food choices might help reduce the risk of these diseases:

  • Added Sugar: For artificially sweetening food, often extra sweeteners like sugar, concentrated fruit juice, or artificial sweeteners are added.
  • Artificial flavours: These are taste makers that are mostly chemical substances. MSG (monosodium glutamate) is one of the harmful agents commonly used in food.
  • Artificial Preservatives: Chemicals added to food for a longer shelf life
  • Food texture: chemicals or ingredients like corn starch are added to the food to give it a particular consistency or texture.
  • High in Carbohydrates: Processed carbohydrates can cause quick blood sugar and insulin levels in the body.
  • High in trans fats, trans fats as a food additive are usually made by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil or fat. Studies have shown an increased risk of heart disease due to trans fats.
  • Less Fibre in Food: Often packaged food has less fibre, which causes the body’s sugar level to go up and down quickly. This results in more frequent eating for the body to maintain a consistent energy level.

Overall wellness depends primarily on the health of our physical bodies. Choosing a healthy diet is important to provide our body with adequate nutrition and energy to sustain a healthy body and mind.

Shopping tips:

  • Avoid food that contains artificial flavours or preservatives.
  • Choose food that contains mostly natural ingredients.
  • Make sure trans fat or saturated fat are at reasonable levels.
  • Avoid foods with artificial sweeteners.

processed-packaged-food

  • Choose foods with less sodium (salt).
  • Avoid foods that contain MSG (monosodium glutamate). MSG is used as a taste-making salt substitute mostly in Chinese and Asian cuisines.
  • Avoid foods that are high in sugar.

NOTE: Read the ingredients on the label to make sure it is not harmful to the body or at excessive levels.

Filed Under: Food, Health

Primary Sidebar

CLICK BELOW TO VIEW VIDEOS

          
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

FEATURED VIDEO

https://youtu.be/skeehHWLxrQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HwBl0-svDM&t=19s%3Fsub_confirmation%3D1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sal2mrgEd_Q&t=30s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImH14B0o5KE&t=7s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnkOvpa3kvc

Search

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3wSl-qap5o&t=18s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EqDqc83aPw&t=23s

RECENT POSTS

Sivananda Panchakarma

Panchakarma – Ayurvedic Detoxification And Rejuvenation Therapy

by Dr. P.R.Vishnu, BAMS,MD Health can be defined as a state when the body, mind and spirit function in harmony with each other. The ancient science of … [Read More...] about Panchakarma – Ayurvedic Detoxification And Rejuvenation Therapy

Mexican-Molletes

Mexican Molletes Sandwich

by Mariana Rebollo Moreira The Mexican Molletes is a popular grilled sandwich served across Mexico. It is nutritious, simple, and fast to prepare with … [Read More...] about Mexican Molletes Sandwich

Ayurvedic Kitchari

Khichari – Punjabi Style

By Monu Harnal Try Khichari if you prefer something light, nutritious and easy to prepare. Ayurveda, from India, is one of the oldest medical practices … [Read More...] about Khichari – Punjabi Style

Dr.Vishnu-Ayurveda

Ayurveda – Agni for proper digestion and better immunity

by Dr. P.R. Vishnu, BAMS, MD In my thinking, Agni is the action of acids like HCl, NaCl and KCl plus the enzymes that break down the macromolecules into … [Read More...] about Ayurveda – Agni for proper digestion and better immunity

Dr.Vishnu-Ayurveda

Ayurvedic Khichari

by Dr. P.R. Vishnu, BAMS, MD The life science of Ayurveda emphasises a state of mental, physical and spiritual balance, attained by enhancing … [Read More...] about Ayurvedic Khichari

  • Ayurveda – Agni, the fire of life
  • Bavani Sivananda – Yoga Teacher & Holistic Nutritionist
  • Monu Harnal – Yoga Teacher
Dr. Vishnu, BAMS(Ayurveda), MD - Physician

Dr.Vishnu BAMS (Ayurveda), MD – Physician

Dr. Vishnu holds a Bachelor’s of Ayurvedic Science and Surgery from Rajeev Gandhi University in … [Read More...] about Dr.Vishnu BAMS (Ayurveda), MD – Physician

Secondary Sidebar

Natural Remedies

Bad breath
Cough
Candida
Chapped Lips
Cold
Eczema
Flu
Gas
Sleep Disorder
Headache
Nausea
Skin rashes
Stress
Sunburn
Sore Throat

Health Topics

Processed Food
Neti for Cold & flu
Kombucha Tea

Vacation Retreats

Asia
Canada
Europe
USA

Panchakarma – Ayurvedic Detoxification And Rejuvenation Therapy

by Dr. P.R.Vishnu, BAMS,MD Health can be defined as a state when the body, mind and spirit function in harmony with each other. The ancient science of Ayurveda emphasizes preventative measures and curative therapies, which include regular purifying of the body – in order to maintain an ideal state of health. Ayurveda also recommends proper […]

Footer

NAVIGATION

  • Vacation Retreat
  • Yoga
  • Wellness
  • Health
  • Vegetarian Diet
  • Shop
  • Travel

READ POSTS

SEARCH

About Yogalivewire

  • About us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer

Disclaimer: All visitors to this site are advised to please check with your doctor

and/or healthcare professional before starting any yoga asana technique,

meditation, kriya, diet, exercise, or trying information provided by the Ayurvedic

or Holistic Healthcare professionals or yoga teachers. The information

provided in this website is intended to be used for information purposes only

and/or, where applicable, under guided instructions from a certified professional

at your own risk. Nothing contained in this site is a substitute for medical care

and attention. We do not make any claims, promises, or guarantees about the

individual or group outcome of any technique, process, diet, exercise or related services.

 

For any questions, please contact us at support@yogalivewire.com

YOGALIVEWIRE is a technology service provider for International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center

Read our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions

Copyright © 2023 YOGALIVEWIRE. All rights reserved.