• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • Resource Centers
    • Cancer Resource Center
    • Covid Resource Center
  • Find A Doctor
  • BDO TV
Home / Wellness / Food / 12 Processed Foods you Should Avoid

12 Processed Foods you Should Avoid

what is processed foods

Americans’ increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods is putting their health at risk, researchers warn.

Ultra-processed foods are foods that are ready-to-eat or heat, include additives, and contain little, if any, whole foods. They include frozen pizza, soda, fast food, sweets, salty snacks, canned soup and most breakfast cereals.

Previous research has shown that eating ultra-processed foods is associated with obesity and heart disease.

The New York University investigators analyzed U.S. federal government data and found that the proportion of ultra-processed foods in Americans’ diets grew from 53.5% of calories in 2001-2002 to 57% in 2017-2018, while consumption of whole foods fell from 32.7% to 27.4% of calories, mostly due to people eating less meat and dairy.

You May Also Like
5 Top Sunscreens for Black Skin

The greatest increase in ultra-processed foods was in ready-to-eat or heat meals, while intake of some sugary foods and drinks declined, according to the study published Oct. 14 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

RELATED: 9 Foods You Should Never Eat After Age 30

“The overall composition of the average U.S. diet has shifted towards a more processed diet. This is concerning, as eating more ultra-processed foods is associated with poor diet quality and higher risk of several chronic diseases,” study author Filippa Juul, an assistant professor and postdoctoral fellow at NYU’s School of Public Health says.

“The high and increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods in the 21st century may be a key driver of the obesity epidemic,” Juul adds in a university news release.

You May Also Like
15 Natural Remedies for Aches and Pains

The researchers also said the COVID-19 pandemic may have prompted Americans to eat less nutritious foods that have long shelf lives.

“In the early days of the pandemic, people changed their purchasing behaviors to shop less frequently, and sales of ultra-processed foods such as boxed macaroni and cheese, canned soups and snack foods increased substantially. People may have also eaten more packaged ‘comfort foods’ as a way of coping with the uncertainty of the pandemic,” Juul shares.

If you are prone to consume more ultra-processed foods, consider these healthy alternatives to processed foods instead:

1. Fruit juice

While 100% fruit juice can contain vitamin C and potassium, it can also be an extra source of added sugar and calories. Juice also doesn’t contain the same fiber and phytonutrients that raw fruits have.

Alternative: It is better to eat raw fruits than drink fruit juice, but if you prefer to drink your fruit, invest in a

Continue Reading

The Latest In Food

nutrients

11 Nutrients You’re Probably Not Getting Enough Of

Your body needs the right kinds of fuel to keep going every day. Here’s how to get more of the nutrients you need into your diet, recommended amounts based on the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 1. Vitamin C read more about 11 Nutrients You’re Probably Not Getting Enough Of
grocery hacks

Healthy on a Budget: Grocery Hacks To Try This Weekend

As you know there are so many health benefits to eating healthy and exercising. Although people want to eat healthily, I often hear complaints that it is too expensive. It doesn’t have to be! Here are some grocery hacks on read more about Healthy on a Budget: Grocery Hacks To Try This Weekend
desserts

Summer Lights: Low-Fat & Sugar-Free Desserts

In addition to all the barbeque, you’ll be eating this summer, you’re going to need some desserts that are delicious but not too heavy. So, what do you make? Relax. We’ve got you covered! Check out these three easy, lightweight read more about Summer Lights: Low-Fat & Sugar-Free Desserts
smoothie

Delicious Vegan-ish Recipes: The “Handful” Smoothie

I am Dr. Monique May, Board-certified Family Physician and Founder of Physician in the Kitchen™. Through my best-selling book, MealMasters: Your Simple Guide to Modern Day Meal Planning, and NEW cookbook, Doc Fix My Plate! The Physician In The Kitchen’s Prescriptions For Your Healthy read more about Delicious Vegan-ish Recipes: The “Handful” Smoothie
superfoods heart disease

10 Superfoods To Ward Off Heart Disease

Give your heart a boost and prevent cardiovascular diseases like stroke and heart disease by chowing down on superfoods. Aim for foods rich in nutrients, fiber and healthy fats. Check out the 10 heart-smart picks below. Avocado Avocado has a read more about 10 Superfoods To Ward Off Heart Disease
summer foods

Summer Swaps: 7 Foods To Avoid During Summer

With barbecues, family reunions and social outings in abundance, summer is prime time for eating. But, are some of your favorite foods that say "summer" not so good for you during the season? Experts recommend some foods be avoided - read more about Summer Swaps: 7 Foods To Avoid During Summer

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • Football Legend & Coach Deion Sanders Has Toes AmputatedFootball Legend & Coach Deion Sanders Has Toes Amputated
  • Like Father, Like Son: ‘Miami Vice’ Star’s Son Handsome Like his DaddyLike Father, Like Son: 'Miami Vice' Star's Son Handsome Like his Daddy
  • LL Cool J & Wife Simone Smith Celebrate 25 Years Married: “We Celebrate Life”LL Cool J & Wife Simone Smith Celebrate 25 Years Married: "We Celebrate Life"
  • Marjorie Harvey: Fit, Fine & 57!Marjorie Harvey: Fit, Fine & 57!
  • 7 Ways To Prevent Yellow Eyes7 Ways To Prevent Yellow Eyes

Podcast

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2022, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.