THE AMERICAN DREAM? –
July 8, 2024 – People who consumed significant amounts of ultra-processed foods were 10% more likely to die than those who did not. The research tracked the diet and health of over half a million participants over more than 20 years.
Unprocessed, or natural, foods come directly from plants or animals without any alteration or processing, apart from transport to the location where they are sold.
Minimally processed foods are similar, except that they have been cleaned and inedible or undesirable parts removed. They may be cut into portions, ground, dried, fermented, pasteurized, cooled, or frozen en route to the table. However, no oils, fats, sugar, salt, or other substances have been added to them.
NOVA also includes a category called Processed Culinary Ingredients, which are substances that have been extracted from natural foods. These include oils, fats, salt, and sugar, and are ideally used in small amounts to season and cook foods without nutritionally degrading the overall quality of the diet.
Processed foods are foods that have been manufactured for consumption using sugar, salt, and oil added to natural foods for flavor, and to help extend their shelf life. They typically have no more than two or three ingredients.
