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Ultra-processed foods(UPF) are linked to several concerning health conditions, both mental and physical.
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“Foods that are ultra-processed are altered from their natural forms.
This can be done to make foods appear a certain way or preserve foods for longer.
Compare a carton of eggs that you purchase with a frozen egg patty.
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“Choose whole foods, be less reliant on convenience foods.
If you plan ahead, then you’re not going to grab these quick things.
Less is more less ingredients, study the labels.
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Here are 11 ultra-processed foods that may be a lot worse for your health than you realize.
Supermarket Bread
Most commercially-produced breadsyes, even that organic, whole-grain loafare packed full of unhealthy additives.
Plant-Based Milk
Plant-based milks are not the healthy option many people assume they are.
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Many shelf-stable alternative milks are packed full of additives and preservatives.
“But there are two ingredients I would avoid carrageenan and added sugars.
If you drink a glass of cow’s milk, you’ll notice it is inherently sweet.
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So, many of these products venture to mimic that by adding sugar.
Instead, I always recommend unsweetened, unflavored plant milks.”
“Many cereals and breakfast drinks marketed as healthy are ultra-processed.
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They can contain maltodextrins, processed proteins and fibers, and colors.
Oats, on the other hand, contain just one ingredient: oats!”
Canned Soups
Many canned soups are full of unhealthy ingredients, including high levels of sodium.
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Ed., RDN, via theMayo Clinic.
Flavored Yogurts
When was the last time you looked at the ingredients on your favorite flavored yogurt?
“Flavored yogurts are also ultra-processed,” says registered dietitianJulie B. Kramervia The Well by Northwell.
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“Soda doesn’t have any nutritional value other than just calories in the form of sugar.
So they’re empty calories, which don’t give us any of the nutrients that we need.”
Margarine
Margarine is not the healthy alternative to butter it was originally marketed as.
Photo: Publix
“Margarine, made from plant-based fats and oils, is supposedly heart-healthier.
However, not all margarine is created equal.
Most margarines contain unhealthy plant oils so you can keep them solid.”
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