Why Is Ultra-Processed Food So Unhealthy? Unraveling Its Impact on Health and Food Systems

In his book "Ultra-Processed People: The Science Behind Food That Isn't Food," infectious disease doctor Chris Van Tulleken explores how ubiquitous and harmful ultra-processed food is, encompassing everything from fast food to seemingly healthy options. He wrote that these addictive plastic-wrapped foods, constituting up to 60% of Americans' diet, are detrimental to health and the environment.

Ultra-Processed Food Affects People's Minds and Culture

Junk food, such as salty snacks and creamy treats, holds an irresistible allure with catchy advertisements and addictive qualities. Shockingly, according to Northeastern University's Network Science Institute, around 73% of the U.S. food supply consists of ultra-processed foods, which are chemically engineered, affordable, and convenient.

However, these foods are associated with various health problems, including cancer and heart attacks, despite their integration into our food culture.

An article on the 1a website noted that the prevalence of ultra-processed foods raises concerns about the impact on both people's health and food systems. While they provide immediate satisfaction, their long-term effects are detrimental.

People's insatiable appetite for these foods poses significant health risks, leading to serious diseases. Additionally, the dominance of ultra-processed foods in our food supply challenges the sustainability and resilience of our food systems.

How Bad Is an Ultra-Processed Food? Plant-Based Alternatives Might Be Unhealthy

A BBC Panorama show in the UK shed light on the potential health risks associated with ultra-processed foods (UPFs), such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and obesity. However, the situation becomes more complex when considering plant-based meat substitutes.

While some researchers argue that these alternatives have lower saturated fat and higher fiber content compared to meat, Euronews reported that it is important to note that not all meat alternatives are equally healthy. In 2018, it was discovered that many plant-based substitutes contained high levels of sodium, posing a health concern similar to processed meats.

The food processing itself contributes to the issues with UPFs. The alteration of food structure during ultra-processing changes the natural composition of the original plant material, creating products that no longer resemble real food.

This shift in physical and chemical composition, coupled with the excessive use of refined ingredients, has adverse effects on our health, says Soil Association policy advisor Cathy Cliff.

Additives used in UPFs can also introduce additional risks. A 2022 study showed that carrageenan, an emulsifier derived from red seaweed and found in certain products like Alpro's longlife chocolate shakes, was linked to postmenopausal breast cancer.

Furthermore, the consumption of UPFs displaces whole foods in the diet, reducing its overall quality. Instead of prioritizing minimally processed foods like tinned and frozen produce, fresh bread, and healthy cereals, the dominance of ultra-processed options offers little nutritional value, emphasizing the need for a better balance in our dietary choices.

How to Identify Ultra-Processed Food

To identify ultra-processed foods, an article in Marie Claire says checking the ingredients list is crucial. Watch out for additives such as colorings, flavorings, artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, modified starches, or stabilizers.

If the list contains many unfamiliar ingredients or is excessively long, it's likely an indication of ultra-processed food. These foods, known for their long shelf life, often have high levels of salt and sugar for preservation purposes.