Negative effects of Food Processing on Health

Developments in food system, food science and food technology have accelerated the production and availability of healthy beverages & nutrient foods. Consumers may acquire health benefits from some products, but they may also suffer adverse health effects and economic losses. Despite medicine, which is administered on the recommendation of health professionals, foods are chosen directly by the consumer. Food labelling has a major role in providing consumers with proper information when choosing the desired products.

This blog will discuss about the Negative Effects that Food Processing has on Health.

What are the Negative impacts on health of Food processing and Technology?

The over reaching aims of modern food industry can be generalised as processing of food, developing food technology increases the shelf life of food using preservation techniques enhancing palatibility of food and to provide adequate nutrition. 

These technologies discussed above became important for the transition of food production from small-scale food producers and companies, to international corporations. They gave manufacturers the power to mass produce large quantities of inexpensive food with long shelf lives, which could be produced, stored, transported, and distributed across nations with relative ease.  Furthermore, flavor technologies became critical in producing palatable foods, as the thermal processing methods needed to maintain the safety of products all but destroyed their native flavors.

With the simultaneous development of modern food ingredient and preservation technologies, new, better flavored products became accessible to the general consumer that did not require refrigeration.  The low cost of sugar syrups made available through novel processes to enzymatically convert starches to simple sugars allowed manufacturers to add sugars to both improve the taste of foods and extend their shelf-life at room temperature.  Salt, another flavor enhancer and food preserver newly harvested from industrialized salt-mining operations, was judiciously added to foods as well. 

Processed foods are bad. They are a major contributor to obesity and illness around the world.

Now the question is how do you know that?

The word "processed" often causes confusion, lets clear what does that mean.

Most foods we eat are processed in some or the other way. Apples are cut from trees, butter is cream that has been separated from the milk and churned.

But there is a difference between mechanical processing and chemical processing.

Foods that have been chemically processed and made solely from refined ingredients and artificial substances, are what is generally known as processed food.

Now, let us talk about the negative effects that food processing has on our health.

1. High in sugar and high-fructose corn syrup

Processed foods are usually loaded with added sugar... or its evil twin, High Fructose Corn Syrup.

It is well known that sugar, when consumed in excess, is seriously harmful.

As we all know, sugar is "empty" calories - it has no essential nutrients, but a large amount of energy.

But empty calories are really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the harmful effects of sugar.

It can lead to insulin resistance, high triglycerides, increased levels of the harmful cholesterol and increased fat accumulation in the liver and abdominal cavity.

Most people aren't putting massive amounts of sugar in their coffee or on top of their cereal, they're getting it from processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages.

2. Engineered for over-consumption

We all want to eat good food. That's just human nature.

Evolution provided us with taste buds that are supposed to help us navigate the natural food environment.

Our appetite gravitates towards foods that are sweet, salty and fatty, because we know such foods contain energy and nutrients that we need for survival.

Obviously, if a food manufacturer wants to succeed and get people to buy their product, it has to taste good.

But today, the competition is fierce. There are many different food manufacturers, all competing with each other.

For this reason, massive resources are spent on making foods as desirable as possible.

Many processed foods have been engineered to be so incredibly "rewarding" to the brain, that they overpower anything we might have come across in nature.

We have complicated mechanisms in our bodies and brains that are supposed to regulate energy balance (how much we eat and how much we burn) which, until very recently in evolutionary history, worked to keep us at a healthy weight.

3. Contain artificial ingredients

If you look at the ingredients label for a processed, packaged food, chances are that you won't have a clue what some of the ingredients are.

That's because many of the ingredients in there aren't actual food... they are artificial chemicals that are added for various purposes.

Highly processed foods often contain:

• Preservatives: Chemicals that prevent the food from rotting.
• Colorants: Chemicals that are used to give the food a specific color.
• Flavor: Chemicals that give the food a particular flavor.
• Texturants: Chemicals that give a particular texture.

4. People can become addicted to junk food

The "hyper-rewarding" nature of processed foods can have serious consequences for some people.
Some people can literally become addicted to this stuff and completely lose control over their consumption.
Although food addiction is something that most people don't know about, I am personally convinced that it is a huge problem in society today.

5. Often high in refined carbohydrates

There is a lot of controversy regarding carbohydrates in the diet.
Some people think that the majority of our energy intake should be from carbs, while others think they should be avoided like the plague.
But one thing that almost everyone agrees on, is that carbohydrates from whole foods are much better than refined carbohydrates.
Processed foods are often high in carbs, but it is usually the refined variety.
One of the main problems is that refined, "simple" carbohydrates are quickly broken down in the digestive tract, leading to rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels.

6. Low in nutrients

Processed foods are extremely low in essential nutrients compared to whole, unprocessed foods.
In some cases, synthetic vitamins and minerals are added to the foods to compensate for what was lost during processing.
However, synthetic nutrients are NOT a good replacement for the nutrients found in whole foods.
Also, let's not forget that real foods contain much more than just the standard vitamins and minerals that we're all familiar with.

7. Low in fiber

Fiber, especially soluble, fermentable fiber, has various benefits.
One of the main ones is that it functions as a prebiotic, feeding the friendly bacteria in the intestine.
Soluble fibre can also help treat many cases of constipation, which is a very common problem today 
There is also evidence that fibre can slow down the absorption of carbohydrates and help us feel more satisfied with fewer calories 

8. Require less time and energy to digest

Food manufacturers want their processed food products to have a long shelf life. They also want each batch of the product to have a similar consistency and they want their foods to be easily consumed. Given the way foods are processed, they are often very easy to chew and swallow. Sometimes, it's almost as if they melt in your mouth. Most of the fibre has been taken out and the ingredients are refined, isolated nutrients that don't resemble the whole foods they came from.
One consequence of this is that it takes less energy to eat and digest processed foods.

9. Often high in trans fats

Processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats.
They usually contain cheap fats, refined seed- and vegetable oils (like soybean oil) that are often hydrogenated... which turns them into trans fats.
Vegetable oils are extremely unhealthy and most people are eating way too much of them already.
These fats contain excessive amounts of Omega-6 fatty acids, which can drive oxidation and inflammation in the body

IN CONCLUSION

When we replace real foods like fish, meat, fruit and vegetables with processed junk foods, we increase our risk of illness and poor health.
Real food is the key to good health, processed food is not.

Foods Linked with Better Brain

There is no magic to prevent diseases. Only one way, to consume great foods for your healthy well-being.

In today's blog, we will talk about foods that are linked with better brain power.

It is said that, there are certain foods which are particularly rich in healthful components such as B vitamins, antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids which may be known to support brain health.

Research also supports that brain foods are the same one that protect your heart and blood vessels.

Now, the foods which are beneficial for your brain and keeps your heart and blood vessels in good condition too.

• Green, leafy vegetables. Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, collards, and broccoli are rich in brain-healthy nutrients like vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta carotene. Research suggests these plant-based foods may help slow cognitive decline.
• Fatty fish. Fatty fish are abundant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, healthy unsaturated fats that have been linked to lower blood levels of beta-amyloid—the protein that forms damaging clumps in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. 
• Berries. Flavonoids, the natural plant pigments that give berries their brilliant hues, also help improve memory, research shows. 
• Tea and coffee. The caffeine in your morning cup of coffee or tea might offer more than just a short-term concentration boost. Caffeine might also help solidify new memories, according to other research. 
• Walnuts. Nuts are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats, and one type of nut in particular might also improve memory. Walnuts are high in a type of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which helps lower blood pressure and protects arteries. That's good for both the heart and brain.

Your brain is kind of a big deal.

As the control center of your body, it's in charge of keeping your heart beating and lungs breathing and allowing you to move, feel and think.

That's why it's a good idea to keep your brain in peak working condition.

The foods you eat play a role in keeping your brain healthy and can improve specific mental tasks, such as memory and concentration.

The Bottom Line

Many foods can help keep your brain healthy.

Some foods, such as the fruits and vegetables in this list, as well as tea and coffee, have antioxidants that help protect your brain from damage.

Others, such as nuts and eggs, contain nutrients that support memory and brain development.

You can help support your brain health and boost your alertness, memory and mood by strategically including these foods in your diet.

Do You Know Your Drink

Do You Know Your Drink?

This blog will tell you about all the types of ENERGY DRINKS and how does they work and affect your health and immunity system.

To know about energy drinks in depth, we have to know the basic work and meaning of energy drinks.

What are Energy Drinks?

Any beverage that contains high stimulant such as sugar and caffeine and other supplements as well, are known to be as ENERGY DRINKS.

Energy Drinks does exactly what its name implies- it increases the energy of an individual by giving an extra burst of energy. Sugar and caffeine are the two main ingredients that help the energy drinks to provide actual energy.

Typically an energy drink can contain upto 80 mg of Caffeine. Energy drinks are widely promoted as products that increase energy and enhance mental alertness and physical performance.

Are Energy Drinks Good or Bad for You?

Energy drinks are intended to boost your energy, alertness and concentration.

People of all ages consume them and they continue to grow in popularity.

But some health professionals have warned that energy drinks may have harmful consequences, which has led many people to question their safety.

Energy drinks also typically contain several other ingredients. A few of the most common ingredients other than caffeine are listed below:

• Sugar: Usually the main source of calories in energy drinks, although some do not contain sugar and are low-carb friendly.
• B vitamins: Play an important role in converting the food you eat into energy your body can use.
• Amino acid derivatives: Examples are taurine and L-carnitine. Both are naturally produced by the body and have roles in several biological processes.
• Herbal extracts: Guarana is likely included to add more caffeine, while ginseng may have positive effects on brain function.

Energy Drinks and its affect on your body?

• Energy Drinks can improve Brain Function.
• Energy Drinks may help people function when they're tired.
• Energy Drinks may cause Heart Problems in some.
• Some varieties are loaded with Sugar.
• Mixing Energy Drinks and Alcohol has serious health risks.

Should Children or Teenagers are allowed to consume Energy Drinks?

An estimated 31% of children aged 12–17 regularly consume energy drinks.

However, according to recommendations published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2011, energy drinks should not be consumed by children or teenagers 

Their reasoning is that the caffeine found in energy drinks places children and teenagers at risk of becoming dependent or addicted to the substance, and may also have negative effects on the developing heart and brain.

Experts also set caffeine limits for these ages, recommending that teenagers consume no more than 100 mg of caffeine daily and children consume less than 1.14 mg of caffeine per pound (2.5 mg/kg) of their own body weight per day.

This is equivalent to about 85 mg of caffeine for a 75-pound (34-kg) child 12 years of age or younger.

Depending on an energy drink's brand and container size, it would not be difficult to exceed these caffeine recommendations with just one can.

Finally it concludes..

• A growing body of scientific evidence shows that energy drinks can have serious health effects, particularly in children, teenagers, and young adults.
• In several studies, energy drinks have been found to improve physical endurance, but there’s less evidence of any effect on muscle strength or power. Energy drinks may enhance alertness and improve reaction time, but they may also reduce steadiness of the hands. 
• The amounts of caffeine in energy drinks vary widely, and the actual caffeine content may not be identified easily. Some energy drinks are marketed as beverages and others as dietary supplements. There’s no requirement to declare the amount of caffeine on the label of either type of product.

To be or not to be VEGAN!

VEGANISM

The way of living that attempts to exclude all forms of animal exploitation, be it food, clothes or any other purpose.

The people who religiously follow vegan diet tend to cut off their lives from any animal products including meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.

There are many reasons for which people choose to become vegan.

So to understand the difference between VEGAN and NON VEGAN, lets discuss about the non-vegan diet.

NON VEGAN DIET

In this type of diet, there is no exclusion from eating any kind of products which includes animal or animal products be it meat, fish, eggs or dairy products.

Now let's discuss about the merits and demerits of VEGAN DIET

What are the merits of Vegan Diet?

• Can help you loose weight.
• Help control blood sugar and reduced type II diabetes.
• Lowers the risk of Cardio Vascular Disease.
• Lowers cancer's risk.
• May also help reduce Alzheimer disease.
• Lowers protein in body so helps lower improving the kidney function.
• Increases the antioxidant intake.

These were the merits of Vegan Diet. But everything has a good side and and a bad side.

The demerits of Vegan Diet!

• Vegan Diet lacks in essential nutrients.
• Animal based diet has Vitamin B12  which is essential for human body.
• Vegan diet lacks in Calcium and Vitamin D too.
• May also lead to Iron deficiency. 

To compare both the diets, to determine which diet is better, we must know the merits and demerits of Nov Vegetarian diet too.

The merits of Non-Veg Diets:- 

• Rich in protein which are highly bio-available.
• Rich in Vitamin B complexes such as Vitamin B12.
• Egg whites are richest source of protein and are digested easily too.
• Fishes are great source of calcium.
• Fish, egg whites are less fatty and rich in protein, vitamin amd minerals.

Now the demerits:

• Creates obstacles in the digestive ability.
• Contains high proportion of protein which leads to diseases.

In Conclusion

So which one is better? Today, both these categories are falling short.Looking at current trend of a veggie lover and a non-veggie lover, they are BOTH consuming more of refined cereals (white bread, white rice, etc.), as compared to whole grains (whole wheat bread, brown rice, etc). Refined grains are devoid of their vitamins and fibre due to the polishing process.Have you counted how many varieties of packaged and processed foods are available on the shelves today for both Non veg and veg diets. 

The combination of both the diets are better as it in combination fulfils the proper requirements of a human diet.

It cant be said that which diet is better and which is not as both of it has their own benefits and disadvantages. 

But to overcome each others demerits, they should be consumed in combination.

₁₂

When Technology Meets Food!

For Human survival, food is the basic requirement. Humankind has became aware of the importance of eating well and how much food affects our health. 

GOOD FOOD brings GOOD HEALTH.

Technology isn't the first thing that comes to the mind when it comes to food.

however, technology over many years has changed the perception of food production through applications, robotics, data and processing.

To know how science has affected food, we must first know "What is Food Technology?"

Food  technology is a science which deals with the techniques and principles involved in processing and preserving the food substances.The study of food technology is to develop new methods and systems for keeping food products safe and resistant from natural harms such as bacteria and other micro-organisms. Food processing helps in preservation enhances the flavor and reduces the toxins in the food product which results in better distributional efficiency and easy marketing of the food products.

Now, it time to know "How does Technology help Food?"

Technology helps food manufacturers produce more efficiently for a growing world population. There are 7.5 billion people in the world right now and that means a higher demand for food each year. By using tech to improve processing and packaging, it can improve the shelf life and safety of food.

Robotics and Machines

The use of machines in the food industry also ensures quality and affordability. By using machines, it drives down the costs of keeping the food fresh and increases productivity.

Packaging and Waste

One of the biggest concerns for consumers right now is having healthy and sustainable goods. Consumers pay attention to labels and harmful ingredients, especially with social media, there is not much that companies can get away with anymore. Many companies use technology to help them “go green.” By using robotics and digitising, companies in the food industry are able to find alternatives to plastics and other harmful packaging to the environment.

IN CONCLUSION

The modern food processing techniques is the key to flourishing supermarkets we have today. Extra nutrients can be added while processing the food and processed food is less susceptible to spoilage. Some of the techniques used are spray drying, juice concentrates, freeze drying and the introduction of artificial sweeteners, colorants, and preservatives. Of late, many products such as dried instant soups, reconstituted fruits and juices, and self cooking meals were developed for the convenience of working people.

The food processing industries are involved in processes such as primary and secondary processing, preservation, quality management, packaging and labeling of a variety of products such as dairy products, fish products, fruit & vegetable products, meat & poultry products, confectionery products and food grains.

Poor Diet Kills More People Than Tobacco And Hypertension

Around 1 in 5 deaths worldwide is associated with poor and unhealthy diet. poor, unbalanced and unhealthy diet is responsible for more death than tobacco and hypertension.

Poor dietary habit, which is a combination of high intake of unhealthy foods such as sweetened beverages, processed salty foods, red meats and low intake of healthy food such as fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grains and seeds.

"Poor diet is an opportunity killer". In comparison, tobacco kills 8.0 million people worldwide while high blood pressure is associated with average of 10.4 million deaths per year.

Poor diet is not only associated with unhealthy lifestyle but also many non communicable diseases.

• Cardiovascular Diseases.

• Diabetes

• Hypertension.

• Obesity

All these diseases are associated with poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle patterns.

Although smoking and hypertension are risk factors for early deaths, eating poor diet is responsible for more fatalities.

According to recent studies 11 million deaths in 2017 were due to poor diet and diet which included high sodium and low fruits constituted to more than half of these deaths.

Diabetes type II caused almost 339,000 deaths. Cardiovascular topped the chart with maximum number of deaths which summed up to 10 million deaths worldwide.

Eating very less plants and excessive meat or vice versa is also an contributing factor of poor unhealthy diet.

A healthy balanced diet is made up of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds whole grains, lentils, beans and lean meat, eggs and fish too.

Every healthy diet is incomplete without water as it is an essential part of everyone's diet. Without water one cannot sustain life and to maintain a healthy lifestyle, one must drink upto 3-4 litres of water everyday.

There is an urgent need of awareness for people to know about the perks of healthy lifestyle and what are the risk that are associated with poor eating habits and the benefits of consuming balanced diet.

Can Food Supplements replace Normal Diets?

There are many food supplements that are available in the market these days.

But are they beneficial or are they ineffective and the main question that arises is can they replace normal food diet?

To know the results we first must know

What are Food Supplements?

Food supplements are also called as dietary supplements or nutritional supplements which helps to deliver the nutrients which may not be consumed in proper amount or is deficient in the body.

They can be in the form of capsules, tablets, pills and can be in liquid forms.

They are available in various range of doses and combinations. 

How should food supplements be consumed?

There are few guidelines according to which one must consume food supplements.

1. Always take your supplements according toy your prescription or direction on the label.
2. Always read the label.
3. Never substitute if for food.
4. Store in proper mentioned conditions.

Who should consume it?

Do not consume food supplements unless you are prescribed to do so. 

Food supplements are specially for those people who are suffering from any vitamins deficiencies.

Food supplements are particularly for people in the risk groups. 

Food supplements are to be consumed when one is deficient from any particular vitamin or mineral which can lead to various major diseased conditions.

Majorly, food supplements are given to:-

• People who are aged over 50:- Vitamin D, Vitamin B₁₂, folate.

• Women of childbearing age:- Folic acid and vitamin D, possibly iron.

• Children under age 5:- Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, although children with a good appetite who eat a wide variety of food may not need them.

• Breastfeeding women:- Vitamin D

• People who cover their skin, are dark-skinned, or are housebound:- Vitamin D

• Vegans:- Vitamin B_12, Vitamin D_2. 

Can food supplements replace food?

Supplements aren't intended to substitute food. They can't replicate all nutrients and benefits of whole food products, such as fruits and vegetables.

Whole food offer three main benefits:-

• Greater nutrition
• Essential Fibre
• Protective Substances.

Conclusion

The overall message is that to follow a healthy, balanced diets, so that there is no deficiency. If you are consuming any supplements, refer the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) of that particular vitamin.

Some particular group of people are recommended to take specific supplements because of their high demand.