There are a number of foods that have been proven to be the cause and fuel to many health problems we find today, such as obesity, migraines, high cholesterol, heart disease, allergies, cancer and many more.
Lets talk about processed vs natural foods.
Margarine
Margarine is an excellent example of how processed foods are harmful. It was said that plant-based oils were better for the heart than animal-based fats.
This is true, but what was not being said, is that the denaturing process of these oils, turning them into solids, is an even worse health issue. These hydrogenated fatty acids can have significant damage on our blood vessels and arteries. They lead to cardiovascular damage, by lowering good cholesterol, and raising blood levels of triglycerides and lipoproteins.
In general, we do not need either butter or margarine to supplement our diets, as we get plenty of good fat from seeds, nuts, good quality oils, avocados and fish already. But if you must, please use the real thing butter, as opposed to the processed version, margarine.
Food additives
Food additives are found in most processed foods and more. MSG (mono sodium glutamate) is one of the worst food additives on the market and is used in canned soups, crackers, meats, salad dressings, frozen dinners and even in some baby formulas.
The regular consumption of MSG has shown to have many effects on our bodies, including headaches, disorientation and fatigue, eye damage and depression.
Which now brings us to other processed foods filled with additives and colorings. It is very difficult, in this day an age, to avoid processed foods as they do make up the bulk of our grocery stores, but as best we can, we try to eat a majority of whole foods, rather than the processed food.
Meat products
Processed meats, such as sausages, hams, bacon, on the other hand, are the worst of them all and should be avoided most of the time, if not all of the time.
They are made up mostly of fats, sodium, sodium nitrates, preservatives, and unhealthy additives, which are packed with calories. Studies have shown that a regular consumption of processed meats is linked to heart diseases, diabetes, cancer, obesity and other health problems. It is best to avoid processed meats all together, and even better so, avoid all red meats if possible.
Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are the two most associated groups for great health. Bottled juice, whether vegetable or fruit, has become a “healthy” replacement for other snacks. But these juices are not so “healthy”. They are mainly made with artificial sweeteners, colorants, unhealthy chemicals, preservatives and high levels of fructose corn syrup to make them more appealing and tasty.
With all these extras added into this beautifully healthy substance, it makes it an extremely unhealthy alternative. They raise our blood sugar levels, causing a craving for more unhealthy snacks. These sweet drinks have been linked to many health conditions and obesity.
This concludes the statement that natural foods are always better than the processed, easy alternative.
Despite life’s challenges it is always important to stick to a diet balanced with natural and wholesome foods, mixed with vegetables, health grains and fruits. If faced with a decision, always choose the natural alternative.
