Recent research has shown that packaged foods and frozen meals are ubiquitous in the American diet. shocking 60% Where does Americans’ daily calorie intake come from? Ultra-processed foods.
UPFs often contain high levels of sodium, refined sugars, cholesterol-raising fats and other labile-based ingredients.
a recent study UPF exposure was linked to 32 adverse health outcomes, including a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, cancermetabolic syndrome, obesityNon-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Type 2 diabetes And even premature death.
Despite the known risks, UPF can be a hard habit to kick Because these items are engineered for convenience and craving, they contain a combination of flavors and additives designed to encourage food addiction.
While it’s easy to recognize (and avoid) UPFs like candy bars, ready-to-eat meals, frozen pizza, chips, and soda, others stand out as so-called “healthy” alternatives.
talking to daily Mail, UK-registered nutritionist Kayla Daniels, founder Kayla’s nutritionshared their top five fake healthy UPFs – yogurt, protein bars, plant-based milks, meal replacement shakes and granola bars.
Curd
Whereas health benefits of curd are well establishedNot all are created equal.
Greek yogurtIn particular, it is a great source of protein, calcium, probiotics. vitamin D and other essential vitamins. However, some yogurt manufacturers add health compromising gums, sweetness and thickening agents to improve taste and texture,
“Specifically, sweeteners can confuse the body, tricking the brain into believing that sugar is being consumed and prompting insulin release. Consuming these sweeteners over time can lead to insulin resistance, which is a key factor in the development of diabetes, Daniels said.
protein bar
Protein bars promise quick on-the-go snacks and a “healthy” alternative to candy bars. But according to Daniels, they can be just as harmful to your overall health.
“These bars often contain artificial sweeteners, which can cause sugar cravings and negatively impact your gut health, making it harder for your body to fight disease,” Daniels said. “Palm fat is also commonly used in protein bars, which are very high in saturated fat, which increases the risk of high cholesterol and ultimately heart disease.”
But not all times are so bad.
kayla barnesA certified brain health coachAnother nutritionist told Post“When looking for healthier options for protein bars, I always prioritize ingredients and make sure the ingredients are simple and natural. You must be able to pronounce the material or have heard it before. Avoid bars with anti-inflammatory oils and artificial ingredients like canola and soybean.
plant based milk
Plant-based or non-dairy milks are often marketed as healthy choice To skim milk, but Daniels said buyers should be wary of thickeners and added ingredients like refined oils.
“Refined seed oils may be high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation and other health problems if consumed in excess,” he said. “Thickeners added to plant milks are often added to improve texture and consistency (meaning they stay fresh longer), but they can actually inhibit digestion and over time. Can lead to gut health problems.”
Ahead, Experts warn that plant-based alternatives Their nutrition is not always equivalent to that provided by dairy farms.
meal replacement shakes
meal-replacement shakes, which are Ozempic is becoming increasingly popular among usersMarketed as a convenient, calorie-reducing option for people looking to lose weight and/or build muscle. But, as Daniels said, they often contain additives, emulsifiers and thickeners.
“Such elements compromise the integrity of the gut wall, which can lead to potential digestive problems like colitis,” he said. Additionally, there may be artificial ingredients Disrupt the delicate balance of microbes in the gutWhich plays an important role in overall health and immunity.”
How important is gut health? New research shows He parkinson’s disease May start in the gutplus Oncologists are partly to blame alarming increase in young cases of colon cancer on factors like lifestyle western diet Consuming more sugar.
Granola Bar
Granola bars are often positioned in the health food category, but according to experts, they may be more of a dessert than a diet food.
Wisely, a nutrient profiling system from Tufts University once ranked ice cream Healthier than granola,
“Many brands add significant amounts of sugar to enhance flavor and improve texture, making these bars more akin to a dessert than a healthy option,” Daniels said. “Even those that claim to be ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ can still consume huge amounts of sugar, which can lead to energy spikes and subsequent crashes, which “Can ultimately affect mood and focus.”
Courtney SmithA Registered Dietitian, Diabetologist and Founder key to nutritiontold Post That granola has a “health halo,” meaning it is marketed as healthy, but it may cause more harm than good.
