Aliquot #111: Why ultra-processed foods and their additives are harmful
Aliquot #111: Why ultra-processed foods and their additives are harmful
Processed foods fall on a spectrum, from minimally processed (like oatmeal or canned tomatoes) to ultra-processed (like lunch meats and junk food). Minimal processing typically makes the nutrients in foods more bioavailable—even better for you. But ultra-processing typically removes many nutrients while adding a plethora of chemicals meant to color, flavor, and preserve the food. In this Aliquot, I explain the science behind the risks associated with eating processed foods and offer advice on choosing healthier options.
Get these episodes in a convenient podcast format.
Aliquot episodes make great companion listening for a long drive. You can find these special members-only episodes alongside live recorded Q&As on The Aliquot, our official premium FoundMyFitness podcast.
Processed foods fall on a spectrum, from minimally processed (like oatmeal or canned tomatoes) to ultra-processed (like lunch meats and junk food). Minimal processing typically makes the nutrients in foods more bioavailable—even better for you. But ultra-processing typically removes many nutrients while adding a plethora of chemicals meant to color, flavor, and preserve the food. In this Aliquot, I explain the science behind the risks associated with eating processed foods and offer advice on choosing healthier options.
-
An overview of processed foods
-
Additives and the GRAS loophole
-
The worst offending additives
-
Harmful additives in kids' foods
-
PFAS – forever chemicals in packaging
-
Aspartame and cancer risk
-
Ultra-processed foods and metabolic dysfunction
-
Endocrine disruptors in foods and packaging materials
-
Sulforaphane's role in detoxification
-
Benefits of a whole foods diet over fad diets
-
Understanding nitrates vs. nitrites
-
Is celery powder safe?
-
Cutting out refined sugar to reduce inflammation
-
Is sugar, honey, or artificial sweeteners better?
Hear new content from Rhonda on The Aliquot, our member's only podcast
Listen in on our regularly curated interview segments called "Aliquots" released every week on our premium podcast The Aliquot. Aliquots come in two flavors: features and mashups.
- Hours of deep dive on topics like fasting, sauna, child development surfaced from our enormous collection of members-only Q&A episodes.
- Important conversational highlights from our interviews with extra commentary and value. Short but salient.
Recent Aliquot Episodes
Aliquot #138: Why Sedation Isn't Sleep and What Actually Works
Many of the substances people use to relax, sleep, or stay alert quietly reshape the biology of sleep...
Aliquot #137: How to Optimize Iron without Causing Overload
Iron plays a central role in health across the lifespan. It forms the core of hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells...
Aliquot #136: How Micronutrient Deficiencies Accelerate Aging
Micronutrient deficiencies, even mild ones, can quietly erode health over decades, raising the risk of chronic disease. One framework...
Aliquot #135: Creatine Myths and Misconceptions
Creatine supplementation has long been shrouded in myths and misconceptions, ranging from dehydration and kidney damage to hair loss...
Aliquot #134: Why Homocysteine Accelerates Brain Aging
Elevated homocysteine levels often slip under the radar during routine checkups, yet they quietly raise our risk...