It seems like there’s processed food everywhere you look — and a fast-food restaurant on every street corner. When you search for “food near me” on Google, the chances are that the results will be filled with restaurants that serve foods filled with dyes and other artificial flavours. While it’s typically easy to choose these foods, some detrimental side effects could occur with the consumption of foods filled with preservatives and other synthetic ingredients. Here’s why you should avoid artificial foods and supplements:
An artificial ingredient is something that wasn’t produced naturally. Synthetic ingredients are used in foods and supplements to add colour or flavour. Even though there are more than 300 approved food additives in Australia, dietitian Frances Walker says that food intolerance is common for people who eat artificial foods. It’s entirely possible to experience symptoms of fatigue and an upset stomach in the short term — but the long-term effects are even more troublesome.
While most people are aware that eating highly processed foods is linked to weight gain, eating unhealthy foods can cause other detrimental effects to the body. Studies have found that poor eating habits can increase the risk of developing cancer. Another large study found that eating just 10% more ultra-processed foods was associated with more than a 10% increase in the risks of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and cerebrovascular disorders.
Joel Fuhrman, MD, emphasizes the dangers of eating artificial foods because these foods affect every part of the body: “Many people recognize that junk food, fast food, processed food, white flour, sugar, maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, and all the junk people are eating contribute to in obesity, diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, dementia and cancer, but many don’t realize the strong causative role an unhealthy diet may have in mental illness.” Doctor Fuhrman also mentions that there may be a link between eating processed foods and the destruction of brain cells — causing lowering intelligence.
Since there are so many health issues related to eating these types of foods, it’s not surprising that a study linked eating more than four daily servings of ultra-processed foods to a 62% higher risk of premature death compared to eating little or none of these foods.
Since artificial foods and supplements are everywhere — it’s critical to begin making informed decisions about the food you’re placing into your body. You will notice a shift in your health if you start to look at food as fuel. It’s easiest to eat nutritious foods at home because you can control the ingredients you place into your meals. Your body will thank you for eating whole foods that nourish your body.
Sources:
https://www.bmj.com/content/365/bmj.l1949
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318630#summary
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