Ministry of Health warns: The dangerous ingredients in Roll Zero (Walla system)
Highly processed foods like frozen pizza, ready-to-eat meals, and chocolates are unsurprisingly unhealthy. But even foods that many would consider healthy—like wholemeal bread, bran cereal, and sugar-free yogurt—also sometimes fall under the definition of ultra-processed foods.
Ultra-processed foods are those that have been significantly modified from their natural form, with ingredients like preservatives or artificial flavors often added to increase their shelf life or attractiveness. Many studies have already linked them to conditions and diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cancer. In addition, people who eat ultra-processed foods consume more calories per day, because the products are more calorie-dense and cause the spring to feel addicted.
Many recent studies have also emphasized the link between ultra-processed diets and depression and anxiety. In Brazil, a study found a link between depression and anxiety during COVID-5 and food consumption. The higher the percentage of ultra-processed foods in the subjects relative to their total diet. Thus, more cases of depression and anxiety were found.
Here are <> foods you probably wouldn't think are considered ultra-processed:
Morning cereals
High-sugar cereals (Photo: ShutterStock)
Unsurprisingly sweetened breakfast cereals are not considered good for you. But even the "healthy" ones are technically considered ultra-processed foods.
Bran flakes that are considered healthy cereals, sweetened with barley malt extract, sugar, and other additives not found in nature are considered ultra-processed. But don't throw your healthy, fiber-laden cereal in the trash yet.
Breakfast cereals are fortified, meaning that some of the supplements introduced are designed to increase nutrient levels that most people struggle to get enough of. These include iron, which is essential for the body to produce the red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body, and vitamins essential for maintaining heart and nervous system health.
More in Walla!
Ultra-processed: What's in snacks you can't stop eating when you start?
See full article >
Whole wheat bread bought at the supermarket (Photo: ShutterStock)
The loaf of bread you buy at a supermarket near your home is technically ultra-processed food. A homemade loaf is considered cultivated only, as it is usually made only of flour, water and yeast.
But loaves of bread on store shelves can contain other substances, such as emulsifiers and preservatives, designed to extend their shelf life.
However, wholemeal breads also confer some health benefits, as they are high in dietary fiber. Fiber is a key component of digestive health and is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and bowel cancer. They can also, like grains, be fortified with vitamins and minerals for additional health benefits.
yoghurt
Yoghurt(Photo: ShutterStock)
Yogurt is considered a healthy source of protein, good for muscle maintenance, and calcium, an essential component of bone health. But while natural yogurt is classified as processed, many varieties on store shelves fall into the territory of ultra-processed.
Some contain artificial substances designed to enhance their taste, color and appearance. Others, famous for being low in sugar, add artificial sweeteners like aspartame to provide a guilt-free sweet treat. Many also contain stabilizers and preservatives, designed to keep them fresher over time on supermarket shelves. Therefore, it is recommended to choose unsweetened and low-fat yogurts as part of a balanced diet.
Fruit & Protein Bars
Health bars (Photo: ShutterStock)
They are often packed very comfortably and look healthy and guilt-free. But fruit bars or protein bars are some of the most processed foods you can put in your mouth.
Fruit bars often contain dried fruits and freeze-starches, which are already processed products. Some also contain thickeners, pH regulators and preservatives as part of the manufacturing process.
Protein bars are also loaded with similar ingredients. These can include sweeteners, emulsifiers, preservatives and food colorings.
Canned legumes
Opening sheet (Photo: ShutterStock)
True, legumes are very healthy and considered a good source of protein and fiber, but when it comes to beans or chickpeas in a box we are usually talking about ultra-processed foods. The reason - canned versions contain a nice addition of salt and sugar.
- health
- nutrition and diet
- Preventive nutrition
Tags
- nutrition
- Processed foods