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How to recognize highly processed foods


How to recognize highly processed foods

Highly processed foods are everywhere. Their convenience and price are tempting. But health experts say the long ingredient list should make you think twice.

Ivanhoe explains how to identify highly processed foods when shopping.

“We eat more processed foods. We avoid vegetables and fruits,” says Dr. Rolando Toyos, founder and CEO of the Toyos Clinic.

Highly processed foods are supposed to be easy to eat, delicious, and have a longer shelf life, but doctors say they are not good for your health.

“We’re really talking about avoiding things that are highly processed that you can find in the supermarket. So cookies, chips, you know the stuff that comes in a box,” said Dr. Ilana Katz Sand, a neurologist at Mount Sinai in New York.

One clue you can easily spot: There’s usually a long list of ingredients, many of which you’ve probably never heard of. If the list includes things you wouldn’t use in your own kitchen, you know it’s highly processed.

“If you can prepare meals at home whenever possible. So we know that when you prepare meals for yourself, you know exactly what’s in them,” Sand said.

The Washington Post lists some other warning signs of processed foods.

Look out for: added sweeteners like corn syrup and cane sugar, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, ingredients that end in “…ose” like fructose or glucose, and foods that are “instant” or come in many flavors.

If you leave those unhealthy, highly processed products on the shelf, you’ll have more room in your shopping cart for the foods that are good for your body.

Experts also warn us to avoid clever marketing tactics that make processed foods look healthy when they still contain lots of additives or sugar.

Copyright 2024 Ivanhoe Newswire – All rights reserved.

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