Basically what is an ultra processed food?
From Epoch Times Morning:
“Simplistically ask, ‘Can it be planted, or does it have a mother?’ If the answer is no, chances are you’re consuming a highly processed version of something that was once meant to nourish and fuel us.
As defined by the Nova classification, ultra processed foods include items like packaged snacks, soft drinks, instant noodles, and ready-made meals. These products are made from chemically altered food extracts and additives designed to improve flavor, texture, and shelf life.
What does it matter if we eat ultra-processed foods?
There are a few interesting statistics coming out of a recent British Medical Journal article concerning the effects on the general population of ultra processed foods.
The Conclusion of the article was as follows:
“This umbrella review reports a higher risk of adverse health outcomes associated with ultra-processed food exposure. The strongest available evidence pertained to direct associations between greater exposure to ultra-processed foods and higher risks of all cause mortality, cardiovascular disease related mortality, common mental disorder outcomes, overweight and obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Evidence for the associations of ultra-processed food exposure with asthma, gastrointestinal health, some cancers, and intermediate cardiometabolic risk factors remains limited and warrants further investigation.”
While I was aware of the relationship between diet and certain types of health disorders, I was not aware of a causal relationship between diet and certain mental health disorders.
Why bring this topic up now?
From a Time on 1/30/25:
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), doubled down on his view that ultra-processed foods and food additives are “poisoning” Americans during two days of Senate confirmation hearings last week.
Food makers have been permitted to “mass poison American children,” Kennedy told lawmakers from the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on Jan. 30. “That’s wrong. It needs to end. And I believe I’m the one person who’s able to end it.”
The day before, however, while appearing before the Senate Committee on Finance, Kennedy signaled that he does not intend to take ultra-processed foods off the market, only to ensure Americans are educated about their health effects.
If confirmed, Kennedy would oversee agencies including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which plays a key role in U.S. food policy.
N.B. RFKJr was just confirmed to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
2/13/25