The health impact of ultra-processed foods

When it comes to dieting, ultra-processed foods are often associated with having a negative impact on our health.The latest health news: Health Beat on Action 7 NewsDr. Abinash Achrekar, KOAT and University of New Mexico health expert, explains what you should avoid eating.”Ultra-processed foods are foods that go through a lot of industrial processing. They often contain additives, preservatives and artificial ingredients you wouldn’t normally use in a home kitchen. Examples include sugary cereals, soda, chips and frozen pizzas,” Achrekar said. “They’re designed to be cheap and very tasty, and that’s why they’re so common.”Achrekar also said this type of food makes up about 60% of the average American diet. For children and teenagers, that percentage is even higher, at about 66% of consumption.It is important to understand the underlying health risks associated with these processed foods. Achrekar said research is still ongoing in regard to this topic.”Many studies suggest that eating a lot of ultra-processed foods is linked to health problems like obesity, diabetes, heart disease and even depression,” Achrekar said. “These foods tend to be high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, but low in nutrients like fiber and protein.”One key you can focus on is eating more whole foods. Those include fresh fruits, vegetables and meals made from scratch.Follow Achrekar on Facebook and Instagram.