More Than Half of What You Eat Isn’t Even Real Food, Study Finds

[Dakine10 5,452]

I like this. Now when my wife tries to take my canned bacon away, I can say at least it's not ultra processed.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/restaurantsandnews/more-than-half-of-what-you-eat-isn%E2%80%99t-even-real-food-study-finds/ar-BBqNtUH?li=BBnbfcL

Processed foods are hard to avoid, but ultra-processed foods? It turns out Americans aren’t so good at avoiding those either. A new study reports that ultra-processed foods make up about 58% of the average American’s energy intake.

Anything that doesn’t come straight from the ground or the animal is classified as processed. The United States Department of Agriculture defines processed foods as anything that has “undergone a transformation from the raw form either to extend shelf-life or to improve consumer palatability of raw commodities."

Ultra-processed foods, though take it an extra step. While frozen fruits or vegetables can be considered processed, ultra-processed food includes “industrial formulations which, besides salt, sugar, oils, and fats, include substances not used in culinary preparations, in particular additives used to imitate sensorial qualities of minimally processed foods and their culinary preparations,” according to the study. Basically that means ultra-processed foods are thosewith artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, stabilizers, and other additives that mask their "undesirable qualities" or (try to) make them taste like real food.

The study out of Tufts University and the University of Sao Paulo set out to look at how ultra-processed foods contributed to how much sugar Americans eat. The findings say that ultra-processed foods contribute to nearly 90% of the added sugars Americans consume, which, on average, outpaces the recommended amount. The added sugar is coming from snacks like breakfast cereal, fruit drinks, soda, cakes, cookies, pizza, and more.

One of the authors of the study, Carlos Monteiro, a professor at the University of São Paulo, published a similar study a few years ago, where he explained how much convenience plays a role in the popularity of ultra-processed foods. We're eating them because they look good, taste good, and are easy replacements for home-cooked meals.

He explained the convenience comes from ultra-processed foods being "durable, accessible, convenient, attractive, ready-to-eat, or ready-to-heat products. Such ultra-processed products are formulated to reduce microbial deterioration (AKA have a 'long shelf life'), to be transportable for long distances, to be extremely palatable, and often to be habit-forming. Typically they are designed to be consumed anywhere — in fast-food establishments, at home in place of domestically prepared and cooked food, and while watching television, at a desk or elsewhere at work, in the street, and while driving."

Note that how these foods affect the human body is not listed.

And just for the record, all that added sugar doesn’t just lead to a quick sugar high. It could lead to something much more serious.

“The high consumption of added sugars in the U.S.A. is most likely contributing to excess obesity, Type 2 diabetes, [high cholesterol], hypertension, and coronary heart disease,” the study says.

A good way to cut down on that intake? Cut down on ultra-processed foods, the researchers recommend, and be sure to view this list of 10 healthy food hacks that don't suck.

[OriZ 3,157]

Indeed this is a huge problem, all over the world but even moreso in America, especially when you have commercials trying to sell "little debbie" products as breakfast.

[ExPatty 502]

Indeed this is a huge problem, all over the world but even moreso in America, especially when you have commercials trying to sell "little debbie" products as breakfast.

A lot of people think pop tarts are a suitable breakfast because they have "fruit" in them.

The study doesn't find more than half isn't real food. It is food by any definition, it is just highly processed. Not real food is stuffing bread with sawdust or plastic.

Sugar is the greatest harm in modern western diets for sure.

[OriZ 3,157]

Hey I'll still take cane sugar over corn syrup though.

I know people who serve their kids fruit snacks as fruit too...

My wife and I TRY to eat healthy, we're not always perfect about it and we like our pizza of course, but they make it quite easy in VT with all the farmers markets and stuff to find fresh locally grown organic product for decent prices.

[Jacque67 7,328]

Hey "pizza toast" rocks! (Though one of my friends here, just called it a pizza shyte)

[Rob L 3,811]

Hey "pizza toast" rocks! (Though one of my friends here, just called it a pizza shyte)

Please don't say "pizza toast rocks" in New York

[Jacque67 7,328]

Please don't say "pizza toast rocks" in New York

I did, since the pizza shyte comment from friends here;) it's a an acquired taste, obviously.

[Rob L 3,811]

I did, since the pizza shyte comment from friends here;) it's a an acquired taste, obviously.

At least you do nit eat your pizza with a fork, like some presidential candidates (who shall remain unnamed but rhyme with lump)

[smilesammich 10,727]

At least you do nit eat your pizza with a fork, like some presidential candidates (who shall remain unnamed but rhyme with lump)

typical of the pinky-up crew.

[Ban Hammer 13,716]

A lot of people think pop tarts are a suitable breakfast because they have "fruit" in them.

it's breakfast like mom used to make!

[TBoneTX 46,383]

Three-day-old pizza, kept out at constant room temperature, typically adds a vegetable (greenish and fuzzy) to one's intake.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

This also in...your pet possibly eats better than you do

[Dakine10 5,452]

This also in...your pet possibly eats better than you do

On the bright side, half of what we eat actually is food.

[TBoneTX 46,383]

This also in...your pet possibly eats better than you do

In fact, Sheba Perfect Portions (salmon, chicken, and turkey flavors) do look pretty good...

[OriZ 3,157]

Three-day-old pizza, kept out at constant room temperature, typically adds a vegetable (greenish and fuzzy) to one's intake.

Aiight Mr. Fleming.

In fact, Sheba Perfect Portions (salmon, chicken, and turkey flavors) do look pretty good...

My cat gets Nature's Variety Instinct Raw...with freeze dried pieces. Rabbit, Duck or Turkey. No Fillers or grain. I'm sure she eats a whole lot better than we do lol.