Student Article

Did you know some foods that seem healthy are actually highly processed?

Not all "healthy" foods are what they seem

Some foods we eat every day, like pasta and rice, are staples of a balanced diet. Others, like chips and candy, are clearly not health foods. But some foods that look healthy are actually very processed.

Ultra-processed = ultra-risky

Eating too many ultra-processed foods can increase the risk of health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and even mental health issues. It's important to understand which foods are truly healthy.

Sneaky foods to watch out for:

Ready meals

These are meals you can buy already made, like lasagna and frozen pizza. They often contain added preservatives and lots of salt. Cooking these dishes at home is better because you can add more vegetables and whole grains.

Plant milks

These are drinks made from plants, like almond milk. They are very processed and don't have as many nutrients as regular milk. It's important to shake the carton well to get the nutrients.

Meat substitutes

These are foods that look like meat but are made from plants. They are very processed and lack the benefits of eating plants in their natural form.

Meal replacement drinks

These drinks claim to provide complete nutrition, but they lack other healthy compounds found in natural foods. It's better to eat a variety of foods.

Breakfast cereals

Some cereals, like oats, are healthy. But others have lots of sugar and are more like dessert.

Granola bars

Bars can be highly processed and high in salt, sugar, and additives. They are not as healthy as eating whole foods.

© Dr. Emma Beckett / Our Media