Processed foods are any type of food that has undergone a change in the way it is prepared, packaged or preserved for consumption. Simply put, processed foods are any food that has been altered from its natural state.

This can involve the addition of preservatives, chemicals, and artificial flavors or colors to the food.

Types of Processed Foods

Processed foods are categorized into two main groups:.

Minimally processed foods – these are foods that have undergone minimal processing and can include washed and pre-cut fruits and vegetables, bagged salads and roasted nuts.
Highly processed foods – these are foods that have undergone extensive processing and can include snacks, candies, sugary drinks and fast foods.

What’s in Those Packages?

Processed foods can contain a variety of ingredients that are not considered healthy for human consumption. These can include:.

Preservatives – these are added to foods to increase their shelf life by preventing the growth of mold or bacteria. Common preservatives include nitrates, sulfites and sorbates.
Artificial flavors and colors – these are added to improve the taste and appearance of the food. Artificial flavors and colors can be derived from petroleum, coal tar and other chemicals.
High fructose corn syrup – this is a common sweetener found in many processed foods. It has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and other health problems.
Trans fats – these are found in many processed foods and are known to increase cholesterol levels, leading to an increased risk of heart disease.
Refined grains – these are grains that have been stripped of their natural nutrients during processing. Examples include white flour, white rice and pasta.

The Negative Effects of Processed Foods

Processed foods have been linked to a number of negative health effects. These can include:.

Weight gain – processed foods are often high in calories and low in nutrients, making it easy to overeat and gain weight.
Diabetes – the high levels of sugar and refined carbohydrates found in processed foods can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Heart disease – the high levels of trans fats and refined grains found in processed foods can increase cholesterol levels in the body, leading to an increased risk of heart disease.
Cancer – some preservatives and artificial flavors and colors found in processed foods have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.
Depression – a diet that is high in processed foods has been linked to an increased risk of depression and other mental health disorders.

Healthy Alternatives to Processed Foods

If you want to avoid the negative health effects of processed foods, there are a number of healthy alternatives you can try:.

Eat whole foods – these are foods that are as close to their natural state as possible and include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
Avoid sugary drinks – instead, drink water, herbal tea or vegetable juice.
Snack on whole foods – try snacking on fresh fruit, vegetables or nuts instead of processed snacks like chips or candy.
Cook at home – cooking your own meals gives you control over the ingredients you use and allows you to avoid the preservatives and artificial ingredients found in many processed foods.

Conclusion

Processed foods can be a convenient and inexpensive option, but they come with a number of negative health effects. By choosing whole foods and cooking at home, you can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases.