The heart is one of the lightest organs in terms of total body weight. It starts beating while we are still in our mother’s womb. The health of the heart is the most important factor in determining our lifespan. Studies emphasize that rather than just focusing on how to protect the heart, we should actively avoid activities that harm it. Changes in diet have led to diseases that are detrimental to the body. As a result, we now consume processed foods at least once a day. Studies warn that these dietary habits are contributing to heart disease, which is a leading cause of death.
The foods we eat play a crucial role in protecting our bodies. When we relied on traditional foods, health problems and disease threats were minimal. However, many aspects of daily life have drastically changed in today’s world. The time when food was considered medicine has passed. But now, we have become addicted to taste and flavor.
Processed Foods :
They are designed to maintain their taste for a long time. They often contain fats, seasonings, sugar, salt, oil, and other preservatives.
The number of ingredients in each food product are listed on the label. If a product contains more than five added ingredients. Its considered as highly processed product. According to Myra Bes, a professor at the Navarra Polytechnic Institute in Spain.
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Foods:
Foods are categorized in three types : unprocessed, minimallyprocessed, and processed foods. Unprocessed and minimallyprocessed foods include vegetables, fruits, milk, meat, rice, and grains. It is preserved for a long life by adding certain enzymes, salt, sugar, oil, and other preservatives. These include meats, cheeses, canned fruits, and fish.
Foods with more than five added ingredients are classified as ultra-processed. Examples include cakes, ice cream, chocolates, bread produced in large quantities, instant soups, and artificial soft drinks. The production of these foods involves extracting certain ingredients from natural foods while adding artificial components.
Study of Processed Foods :
Everyone knows that processed foods are not healthy for the body, but a study suggests that they are especially harmful to the heart. The University of Navarra conducted a study, following participants for 10 years while monitoring their dietary habits annually. The study found that people who ate unprocessed foods were four times more likely to die than those who consumed processed foods. Another study reported that the heart health of those who regularly ate processed foods was worse than that of those who avoided them
At the same time, these studies do not provide conclusive proof. So more research is needed. However, it is noteworthy that the findings suggest they stimulate the taste buds, leading to increased consumption. A study published in the British Medical Journal also supports this claim.
Heart and Health :
In addition to being convenient and ready to eat, the taste of processed foods has become more appealing over time. As a result, traditional foods have gradually disappeared. Studies also indicate that they contribute to weight gain.
Some foods directly affect heart health, while others initially harm the body and later impact the heart. Processed foods fall into the latter category, as they contribute to obesity and eventually lead to heart damage.
Doctors say that if you want your heart to be safe, you should stay away from processed foods.
