Search results for ultra-processed foods

“Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have quietly taken over modern diets, making up nearly 60% of the average American's daily intake. Unlike whole or minimally processed foods, UPFs are industrial formulations packed with additives, artificial ingredients, and refined sugars and fats designed to enhance taste and shelf life—but at a significant cost to health.”

“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.”

“In this clip from Dr. Rhonda Patrick's appearance on Modern Wisdom, she explains why ultra-processed foods can make it easier to overeat. These products often combine refined carbohydrates, added fat, low protein density, little intact fiber, and a texture that encourages faster eating.”

“Participants ate faster on the ultra-processed diet. The trial did not isolate a single causal feature, so it supports an overall dietary-pattern effect without showing that one additive caused the result. Dr. Patrick’s final recommendation is practical rather than restrictive: make minimally processed foods the routine foundation while allowing occasional exceptions.”

“In this clip from Dr. Rhonda Patrick's appearance on The Dr. Hyman Show, she and Dr. Mark Hyman discuss why ultra-processed foods can promote passive overeating. These products are often easy to eat quickly and combine refined carbohydrates, added fats, and low fiber in forms that can weaken normal satiety cues.”

“These types of foods are often high in unhealthy fats and refined sugars and low in beneficial fiber. Findings presented recently at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2019 suggest that high intake of ultra-processed food is associated with poor cardiovascular health.”

“Ultra-processed foods, however, such as snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and soft drinks, bear little resemblance to intact food forms. These foods typically contain added flavors and colors, are inexpensive and ready to eat, and often have long shelf lives.”

“Modern diets are often dominated by ultra-processed foods (UPFs), yet scientists still debate whether their harm arises mainly from their tendency to drive excess calorie intake or also from other aspects of industrial processing.”

“Learn more about the harms of ultra-processed foods and their additives in Aliquot #111: Why ultra-processed foods and their additives are harmful.”

“In contrast, people in wealthier populations ate more calories, and those who consumed more ultra-processed food had higher body fat. These findings suggest that increased calorie intake—more than reduced physical activity—is the primary force behind obesity linked to economic development.”