Why is Processed Food So Unhealthy
Processed foods are designed for convenience and to have a long shelf life. But as well as using more energy, creating more waste and requiring more packaging, there is another downside: they are worse for our health.
Lately, processed foods have been made to seem like the answer to all our problems. It's fast, it's cheap, and for the most part convenient. But after countless hours of research from health professionals, we should all realize that processed food comes with many health risks that people just don't see.
You know that processed foods aren't good for you, but you may be wondering why.
Processed foods are unhealthy because they contain high amounts of fat, sugar, and sodium. They can also contain artificial ingredients and preservatives, which are harmful to your body. When you're eating processed food, you're also missing out on important vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium that naturally occur in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains. Eating these foods provides your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly.
It often contains trans fats. These are fats known to raise bad cholesterol levels in your bloodstream as well as increase your risk of heart disease. The chemicals make the food taste good, but they are also bad for your body. This is why processed food is so addictive—it makes you feel good, but it's not good for you. You definitely can't eat processed food all the time and expect to feel great.
Stick to eating whole foods! Whole foods are foods that haven't been chemically altered or processed in any way—they're just straight from the source. Examples include fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes (which are beans), whole grains like brown rice or quinoa, eggs (if you're not a vegan), dairy products like milk and yogurt—and even things like chicken breast or beef steaks if you don't mind eating red meat.
If you want to be healthy, it’s best to cook and make meals in the comfort of your home. Eat fruits and veggies and your lifestyle will change, for the better!