Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Ultra-processed foods now account for two-thirds of calories in the diets of children and teens
Ultra-processed foods, such as frozen pizza, microwave meals, and packaged snacks, are very popular, especially in the US. They can be kept fresh longer, enriched with vitamins, and palatable especially for children. Also, they are very economical and convenient as they are ready to eat or heat. However, many of such ultra-processed foods aren’t as healthy as minimally or not processed foods because they tend to contain more sugar and salt but less fiber. The problem is that they are palatable and appealing to children and their parents. They make kids filled and satisfied instantly and inexpensively. As parents become busier with their work and smartphones, such ultra-processes foods were given to their children more in the last two decades. According to a recent study, while the proportion of ultra-processed foods increased from 61% to 67%, the consumption of minimally or less processed foods declined from 29% to 23%. The problem is that when children get used to the taste of such over-processed foods in their youth, they tend to stick with the same type of foods in their adolescence, which could trigger overweight and diabetes. Since they are cheap, tasty, easy, and appealing, it’s becoming harder to resist over-processed foods in America.
Enjoy reading the article and think about how much of your daily diet consists of unhealthily processed foods.
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/08/10/health/ultra-processed-food-kids-teens-diet-wellness/index.html
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