You’re eating pre-digested food. Not just you, but all of us are eating more of it than we really think we are. These “ultra-processed” foods aren't just junk food or sugary sweets but are hidden in so many other foods. The issue with these foods isn't just the lack of nutrients but the manufacturing of the food. Most of what you see on grocery store shelves, or in your cart, have undergone bleaching, chemical changes, and more.
What are “Ultra-Processed ” Foods?
To make the convenient and cheap food you want, basic grains such as corn, wheat, potatoes, etc. are chemically deconstructed to their molecule parts. Breaking these grains down to their molecules is where the ultra-processed name comes from. This is the most extreme form of food processing. It’s processed beyond just calling it that and has become its own category when talking about processed food. The process is so extreme that it is impossible to make at home, no matter how hard you try.
Types of Processed Foods
To better illustrate the process of creating these “foods”, think about the difference between an apple and an apple pie from an average fast food brand. Food researchers split the levels of processing into four main groups. First is unprocessed foods. The apple is in this category. Basic fruits, vegetables, grains, and poultry go in this category. Second is processed culinary ingredients. Ingredients such as honey and butter go into this category. Third is processed foods. This category includes wine, cheese, and bread. The apple from earlier could become apple sauce. Everything stated so far is still “real” food. These are the same things from the first group, just slightly preserved. This cannot be said about the last group. Fourth is the “ultra-processed” foods. The only examples for this group are industrial ingredients. This category is where the fast food apple pie can be found. Now, a homemade apple pie would only be a level 3 processed food. Meanwhile, the fast food apple pie has undergone several industrial changes.
The Process
As stated earlier, crops such as corn wheat and potatoes are deconstructed, being turned into only fats, oils, flours etc. Manufacturers call these mixtures, “slurries.” Slurries take the starches from earlier, and mix it with water. Over half of this slurry will go on to create starch based foods. These slurries go through a process called hydrolysis, which only can be explained as a process like the human digestive system. After that, with a little artificial coloring, flavors, and emulsifiers, this mixture is made into any food a manufacturer would like. Whether a cookie or chip, this mixture can create this. These foods aren’t just junk foods but are disguised amongst alleged “healthy” foods. 98% of proclaimed healthy cereals are ultra-processed as well as all foods targeted towards children, so-called healthy frozen dinners, multigrain bread, and just about everything in the health and diet aisle. According to estimates, 73% of America’s food supply is ultra-processed.
The Issue
The problem with these pre-digested foods isn’t their lack of fibers or their high levels of sugar—it’s the food itself and it’s impact on our digestive system. The food, already being half digested, passes through our system so fast that our bodies can’t handle it. Our digestive system was made to break down and consume nutrients, and when everything is digested and put into a package, our system can’t feel satisfied with that. This is where America’s issue of obesity arises. If our bodies cannot feel full after one packet of cookies, why not eat two, then three, then the whole box to feel that satisfaction? Another issue with this is how this has become the normal of our society. Everyone consumes these foods, and no one seems to be doing much about it. There are only so many warnings by the few who can stand up against these massive food companies. It’s still too early to understand how these foods are impacting us—but they aren’t doing much good. I hope this is a reminder of what you’re really eating and what your putting into your digestive system.
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