Ultra-Processed Foods

I keep hearing that refined and processed foods are linked with cardiovascular diseases. Now I hear about ultra-processed foods. What in the world are those?

 
What a great question. You obviously are keeping up with emerging research. Generally, refined, and processed foods are those made from white flour, sugar, fats, and often preservatives to increase shelf life. Yes, there are ultra-processed foods, as well. These involve the use of an industrial process, such as heat processing, dehydrating, or adding chemicals. Ultra-processed foods are generally energy dense, rich in refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and salt, and contain low dietary fiber. Examples include mass-produced and packaged snacks, sugary drinks, breads, confectioneries, ready-made meals, processed meats, salty snacks, candies, pastries, foods high in starch, pizza, burgers, etc.  More tomorrow.