The love of the present generation for processed food is no secret. There is so much variety in flavors, colors, textures, and taste that it becomes really difficult to hold the attraction towards these food items. Be it desert or munching snack, processed food is often a preferred choice. If you deny to the statement, consider things you eat that are canned, dehydrated, or preserved in any way through chemicals. All such food items are processed and rightly referred to as junk food. This kind of food can easily make you sick and cost you physically, financially, and sometimes psychologically as well. Choose the right kind of insurance plan from iselect to manage your expenses during illness. While insurance can help you manage your finances, it is always better to understand the threat and take mitigation steps to avoid falling sick. Here are some ingredients commonly found in processed food that can make you sick easily.
- Trans fat
One of the reasons that packaged food stays fresh for months in the shelved of the supermarket is that it is processed with a blast of hydrogen to keep it from staling. Hydrogen converts regular fats in palm, soybean, or corn oil into transfat. Palm oil is most commonly used in packaged food. When converted into a trans fat, it increases the level of bad LDL cholesterol and decreases the good HDL cholesterol. It elevates the risk of heart diseases and blood clots, etc.
- Shortening
Any food that is listed shortening is again loaded with trans fat which can clog your arteries and cause obesity and heart-related issues. These can also increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. It is better to choose monounsaturated fat or unsaturated omega – 3 fatty acids.
- High-fructose corn syrup
It is often referred to as HFCS. Awareness has led to a remarkable decrease in the use of refined sugar, but it is replaced by still unhealthy HFCS. Studies have shown that the consumption of HFCS is nearly twenty percent more than that of refined sugar. This ingredient is present in almost every processed food. It stimulates the fat-storing hormones and increases the urge to bing and make you gain weight.
- Artificial sweeteners
This one is a surprise for many. Artificial sweeteners are often considered health-friendly. However, these just triggers the brain to disassociate sweet with calories and make you eat more of it. These are believed to do more harm than good to your overall health.
- Refined grains
When the grains are refined, the fiber and other nutrients just drain off. These grains are too easy to digest and have to nutritive benefits for your body. They can skyrocket your blood sugar causing all sorts of health issues. It is better to prohibit refined grains entering your month and choose whole grains instead.
- Artificial colors
Colors are also some sort of chemicals and cause adverse effects on your health. Many colors like red 3, blue 1 and 2, yellow 6, and green 3 are associated with numerous health problems. These include thyroid, bladder, kidney, and brain cancer, etc. Colorful products entice children the most. Make sure that you only give your kid, food with minimum chemicals.
