Health Tips: When you think of processed food, the first thing that comes to your mind is a fast food chain burger or pizza. These fast food items are extremely processed to the point their nutritional value remains negligible. Not only do they lose their nutritional value, but upon regular consumption of these processed foods, they tend to cause extreme harm to the body. However, not all processed foods are bad. The term comes with negative connotations but a lot of our daily staples are processed which are perfectly healthy to consume regularly.
What is processed food?
Processed food means the kind of food that has been taken away from its original state by various processes. This could range from freezing to cutting and de-seeding fruits.
Why is Processed Food Gaining popularity?
Processed food has become more and more popular these days due to numerous reasons, namely
- It often improves the taste
- It has a better shelf life than fresh ingredients
- It saves a lot of time
- It is easily accessible
- It is pocket-friendly
Harmful Effects of Processed Food
Excessive consumption of processed foods leads to several health issues such as
- obesity
- Increases blood pressure
- Higher risk of heart diseases
- Poor brain health
- greater risk of cancer
However, some processed foods are not only safe, they are extremely healthy and are advised to be added to your everyday diet
Healthy Processed food
Pasteurized Milk
Although many prefer buying raw milk, straight from the cow, some prefer buying pasteurized milk that is processed. However, the nutritional value only decreases by a negligible amount. Even after pasteurization, milk remains a huge source of nutrients and vitamins, including Vitamin B2
Canned beans
Canned beans are perfectly healthy to be eaten every day. Not only this, canned beans are encouraged to be consumed every day by experts, as it is a great source of nutrients such as fibre and protein.
Tofu
Tofu is a flavourless food product that is made from soybeans. Soaked soybeans are crushed and then boiled to form tofu. Although this item is highly processed, this is a great source of protein. Not only that, it helps fight many diseases like diabetes and heart problems.
Breakfast cereal
Breakfast cereals are made by pressure cooking grains in a pressure cooker and then drying them, which results in crunchy cereal. This is rich in minerals, carbohydrates, vitamins and protein, making it a perfect breakfast meal when had with milk.
Seasonal pre-cut fruits
Fruits when, de-husked, cut, de-seeded, and juiced are still as healthy as ever even though it is processed. Many prefer buying cut fruits instead of buying whole fruit, to avoid going through the extra trouble of cutting or peeling the fruit.
In conclusion, although most processed foods are harmful to the body upon regular consumption, some processed foods are healthy and are known to enhance your daily diet
Disclaimer – This material, including advice, provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Take the methods, and claims mentioned in this article as suggestions only; DNP India does not confirm or refute them. Consult a doctor before implementing any such suggestions/ treatment/medicine/diet.
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