Everyday food we eat plays a vital role in our over all wellbeing and health. Healthy Food is the most undervalued facet and undermined fact that food we eat can play a much greater role in health and longevity than many people may realize.
What are ultra-processed foods?
Researchers at Center for Epidemiological Studies in Health and Nutrition at the School of Public Health at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil has designed a category for Ultra-processed foods – NOVA food classification system.
The NOVA system classifies foods into four different groups:
Group 1: unprocessed or minimally processed foods
Group 2: processed culinary ingredients (oils, fats, salt, and sugar)
Group 3: processed foods
Group 4: ultra-processed foods
Ingredients which are made in completely made in industrial/laboratory or extracted from foods.
ultra-processed food group are :
- Processed food contains additives/ preservatives
- flavor enhancers, colorings
- ingredients made through the synthesiss like high-fructose, corn syrup, altered Fat.
Examples of ultra-processed foods include:
- sodas/sweetened juices/ sports and energy drinks
- energy bars
- powdered and instant soups
- pre-prepared meals such as pizza, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and fish sticks
- infant formulas
- meal replacement beverages
- sweetened yogurt
Several research have concluded that ultra-processed foods make up about 42 % of Indian Diet and are responsible for weight gain especially in women. Ultra processed foods are low in dietary fibre. They are energy dense and contain high level of sugar leading to obesity – which is known risk factor to numerous cancer. There are various studies which concludes direct association of ultra processed food and cancer risk in Indian Population.
One BMJ Study states that ultra processed food diet causes colorectal cancer in male population. This study evaluated 3200 patient of colorectal cancer and found 29 % male patient had high risk of consumption of Colorectal cancer. A French study evaluated 1800 children with various cancer and found an association of 32% children with an habit of consumption of ultra processed food specifically children who formed a habit of consumption ready to eat, meat based- poultry based – sea food, sweetened drinks, heat- mixed dishes.
In recent times, we have seen huge surge in incidence of childhood cancer. Lifestyle changes are certainly one of the major reason for such high incidence of obesity, diabetes and also cancer in children as well as adults