Processed foods are foods that have been processed or altered chemically or physically from their original form. From this simple definition we learn that most of the foods we eat are processed. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Not all processed foods are bad. In fact, food processing makes some foods safe for consumption, such as in the case of milk which requires pasteurization to get rid of harmful bacteria. Some other foods need to be processed to allow access, such as pressing seeds to make oil. Cooked foods are also processed foods! Believe it or not, cooked foods are classified as processed foods. The advantages and disadvantages of cooking include loss of nutrients, availability of nutrients for absorption, an increase in nutritional content of certain foods, killing of harmful organisms making foods safer, preservation and enhancement the aesthetics of certain foods. (1) Starchy foods like yams, potatoes, beans and corn can only be digested after cooking. The digestibility of protein in cooked eggs is 180% higher than that of raw eggs. Water-soluble vitamins (vitamin C and B vitamins), fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) and minerals (potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium) can be lost during the cooking process. Most of the vitamins contained in vegetables are lost when boiling. But if water is consumed, 100% of the minerals and 70-90% of the B vitamins are retained (2) Since there is no perfect cooking method that retains all the nutrients, it is important to select the best cooking method to maximize nutrients. Like cooking for shorter periods, lower temperature and minimum water as appropriate. All this has been said. I bet when your teacher or mother advised you to stay away from processed foods, they weren't talking about cooked foods but rather commercially processed foods. For the purposes of this article, I am referring to commercially processed foods here when you see processed foods. food. Apparently, not all processed foods are inherently unhealthy. Besides added sugar and salt, some commercially processed foods contain serious chemicals like artificial flavors, colors, enriching nutrients, and preservatives. These are completely bad for you. To subject your diet to the consumption of these types of foods is to surrender your long-term health to disease and fat, or both. What are your favorite processed foods 1. Processed MeatMeat can be classified as healthy. But opt ​​for processed meats like sausages, cold cuts, beef jerky, bacon, hot dogs, salami, canned meats, corned beef, smoked meats and sauces made from of meat is generally considered bad (3). In fact, eating it is a big NO! Studies have shown the link between processed meat consumption and a plethora of health problems such as: high blood pressure (4, 5), heart disease (6, 7), colorectal cancer (8, 9, 10 , 11, 12) gastric esophageal cancer. (13) It is important to note that these studies on processed meat consumption in humans are observational in nature. They show the link between meat consumptiontransformed and the likelihood of developing these diseases rather than the fact that it actually causes them. Why is processed meat not so good? I'm always happy when you ask such interesting questions! One thing is certain, processed meat certainly contains chemicals that increase the risk of chronic disease. Some of these chemicals include: Nitrite/nitrate, nitrosamines: Nitrite/nitrate serves as a preservative that slows rancidity by suppressing fat oxidation. It helps maintain the red/pink color of meat, prevent bacterial growth and improve flavor. Nitrite from processed meat when consumed can be converted to nitrosamine, which has been shown to increase the risk of stomach and colon cancer (14, 15). But wait. a minute….Nitrates/nitrites also occur naturally in some vegetables. From my subsequent research, culinary articles clearly showed that certain vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, beets and spinach contain sodium nitrate. The nitrate/nitrite level in vegetables is influenced by the nitrogen level in the soil and by fertilizers. In fact, the concentration of nitrate/nitrite is much higher in vegetables than in processed meat. Let's be clear about one thing, nitrites and nitrates have no carcinogenic potential in any way. They are actually produced by the body. They work as an antimicrobial agent against salmonella in the digestive system. How do dietary nitrates/nitrites differ from those found in processed meat I'm glad you asked! The difference between nitrites found in processed meat and vegetables is that the nitrites found in the former when consumed combine with proteins called amines to form nitrosamines which are a potential carcinogen. On the other hand, vegetables contain antioxidants (ascorbic acid) which prevent the formation of nitrosamine. Instead, nitrate/nitrite turns into nitric oxide, an important signaling molecule that makes blood vessels dilate and reduces blood pressure (25). Knowing that high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, its importance cannot be overemphasized. Dietary nitrates/nitrites can be used to increase energy levels by increasing the efficiency of the part of the cell that produces energy; the mitochondria. This capacity is exploited during high-intensity exercise to improve physical performance (26). In processed meat, nitrosamines form when exposed to high heat (130 degrees), such as when grilling or frying (27). But you like your bacon. you really think you can't survive without your beloved bacon, you can look for high quality nitrite free bacon, not the ones soaked in celery salt and others which also contain nitrate. Likewise, you can choose to fry your bacon on low heat for a long time, this can reduce the production of nitrosamines. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) PAHs are a pollutant that forms during the incomplete combustion of organic materials. Smoking is one of the oldest methods of meat processing, often associated with salting and drying. This process leads to the formation of potentially harmful chemicals such as PAHs (16, 18). PAHs form when flames and smoke during an open grill session come from dripping fat and meat juices. Smoke contains PAHs which adhere to themeat. PAHs are toxic and have mutagenic and/or carcinogenic properties (17) and studies have proven this (28). Heterocyclic amines (HCA). These are chemicals formed when meat like beef, pork, poultry, and even fish is cooked using high-heat methods like frying and grilling (31). HCAs are proven mutagens and may increase the risk of colon, breast, and prostate cancer (32, 33, and 34). HCAs form when the building blocks of proteins (called amino acids), a substance found in muscles (called creastine), and sugars react in high temperature. It's even more surprising to know that well-cooked and fried chicken or steak has a higher concentration of HCA. You know what, with all this craziness that comes with eating meat, I now understand better why some people decide to escape this tragedy by remaining entirely meat-based. I probably will in the near future.Sodium chloride (table salt)The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that daily salt intake be no more than one teaspoon (2,300 milligrams ) or less than 1,500 milligrams if it is more than 50. years. Most processed meats are loaded with sodium chloride. Table salt is important for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body. When excessive, it has been attributed to the development of various health problems such as: Blood pressure is the force with which the heart pumps blood against the artery wall. If blood pressure remains high for a long time, the tissue that makes up the artery wall stretches beyond its usual limit. This in turn can lead to an increased risk of health complications such as blood tissue, vascular weakening, stress on the circulatory system (20, 21). Observational studies have shown that a diet high in salt can lead to the growth of H pylori, a bacteria that over time causes a stomach ulcer which is a precursor to stomach cancer. (22, 23) Others include: heart disease (24) and kidney stones (20) Other chemicals of concern found in processed meat include: o hydrolyzed vegetable proteins, dextrose, corn syrup, hydrolyzed milk proteins, flavors, modified starch, sodium nitrite, ascorbic acid, MSGI colors. If the sight of these mares doesn't scare you, I wonder what would? Like what the hell is that!!!!!! Processed meat is undoubtedly horrible for your health, but an occasional bite isn't bad as long as it's not a part of your diet. As I always say, moderation is key. White flour is made from wheat. The process involves removing the nutrient-dense germ and fibrous bran, leaving behind the endosperm which is nothing more than starch. White flour is absolutely devoid of fiber and nutrients. This finely ground powder is used for culinary activities like baking. Prepare your cakes, cookies, pie crusts, pancakes and many other junk high-carb foods. Your love for these junk foods doesn't change the fact that they contribute to obesity and other health problems. Why is flour bad for you? devoid of important vitamins and minerals. Whole wheat is actually nutrient-dense and contains tons of vitamins and minerals that are good for the body. White flour undergoes intensive processing which strips it of these benefits. 97% of fiber is lost, as are 76% of vitamins. White flour is nutritionally USELESS if.!