Elizabeth Simkus, a nurse practitioner at RUSH Prevention Center, is alarmed by the fact that more than half of Americans get the majority of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods. She finds this information particularly concerning for adolescents and children who may consume even more of these foods.
To help individuals identify which foods in their pantry are ultra-processed, Simkus recommends checking the ingredients list. She advises looking out for hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, flavor enhancers, and additives commonly found in packaged snacks, cereals, cookies, and fast food. A recent study published in the British Medical Journal linked high consumption of these foods to various health issues like obesity, metabolic syndrome, certain cancers, and mental health problems.
If you want to reduce your intake of ultra-processed foods, Simkus suggests starting small by focusing on one type of food at a time. For example, you can begin by replacing ultra-processed snacks with healthier alternatives such as fruits or vegetables. She advises choosing whole foods whenever possible and paying attention to nutrition labels on packaged foods. By being mindful of ingredient labels while shopping, you can make a significant impact on your overall health and well-being.