Concern about processed foods and the preservatives added to numerous food items have long been foremost on the minds of the younger generation. I recall an incident twenty years ago when an in-law of my son refused to eat a sandwich made from ham purchased at the grocery deli counter because it was a “processed meat.” He was so adamant about it that he didn’t eat anything. That was the first time I was aware of the antipathy of the younger generation for ultra-processed foods of any type.
It is a proven fact that processed foods, especially meats, and sugary or artificially-sweetened beverages are linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease. Sugar-sweetened beverages cause high blood sugar, which in turn results in insulin resistance, pre-diabetes and diabetes, obesity, and high triglycerides. These are all situations that have a strong association with cardiovascular disease. Processed meats are very high in salt (sodium), as much as 400% higher levels than non-processed. Processed meats containing nitrates are also a concern because of their carcinogenic potential. Bacon, ham, and salami are of particular concern.
High saturated fat content, sodium, and preservatives work in concert to elevate cholesterol levels, cause a vascular inflammatory response, elevate blood pressure, and directly affect coronary artery disease. Starches (wheat, corn, rice) are big offenders.
There are, however, a number of “ultra-processed” foods that lower these cardiovascular risks. Ultra-processed non-sugary cereals, breads, yogurt, and dairy-based desserts are examples that have been linked to a lower risk of stroke as well as reducing the frequency of coronary artery disease and cardiovascular diseases. Breakfast cereals that contain whole grains, fiber, and bran lower the risk of heart disease. Other foods like nuts, vegetables, beans, and seeds are examples of “good choices.”
Fermented foods with “active probiotics are good for heart health and work against metabolic disease, and thus reduce the risks of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.” Yogurt is a good example. It makes for “a healthy snack of choice.”
It’s long been said, “We are what we eat.” Nothing affects us more negatively than a poor diet containing ultra-processed foods and “nutrient-barren foods.” Obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke are just feasting on these foods and progressing toward destroying the lives of the individuals who consume them. High levels of salt in ultra-processed foods plus artificial flavorings, sweeteners, and thickeners contribute, too.
It’s very true that eating right is essential to good health and longevity. BUT nothing is as important to good health as having good genes. So, in addition to picking healthy foods to eat, it’s more important to pick parents who aren’t diabetic, obese, hypertensive, hyper cholesterolemic, or prone to heart disease. If you can figure out how to do that, let me know.
Reference: Davis KW. Ultra-processed Doesn’t Always Mean Bad-Here’s How to Tell. WebMD Health News 2024 September 12. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/ultra-processed-doesnt-alwats-mean-bad.
