Campbell's Select Creamy Potato with Roasted Garlic Canned SoupWhat Are Processed Foods? Nutrigrain Cereal Bar Model: 35845 Kellogg NA Co. Snacks

 

What are Processed Foods?

-Processed foods are foods that have been altered from their natural state for convenience or safety reasons.  The majority of processed foods are pre-packaged items such as cookies, cakes, crackers, cereal bars etc.

 

What Methods are used to Process Food?

1.     Canning

2.     Freezing

3.     Refrigeration

4.     Dehydration

 

Ingredients to Avoid in Processed Foods

1.Trans Fat- Found in bakery muffins and crispy crackers.  This ingredient has been found to boost your levels of bad cholesterol “LDL” and lower your good cholesterol “HDL.” Check the ingredient label for partially hydrogenated oil. The higher this ingredient is to the top of the ingredient label the more trans fat there will be.

2.Refined Grains-Found in white bread, rice, and pasta.  This ingredient raises the risk for high cholesterol, High blood pressure, insulin resistance, diabetes, and belly fat. Instead, choose foods that are high in whole grain and contain 3 grams of fiber per serving.  When choosing whole grain foods make sure the first ingredients read 100%  whole wheat or 100% whole grains such as oats.

3.Salt- three quarters of sodium in our diet comes from processed foods such as deli meat, and canned soups and vegetables.  While salt is essential for life, too much of it will force the heart to work harder and for veins and arteries to constrict.  Keep salt intake to 1,500 mg per day.

4.High Fructose Corn Syrup- This ingredient is found in ice cream, hamburger buns, condiments, soft drinks etc.  Researchers have linked high fructose corn syrup to raising the risk of heart disease and diabetes.  To spot this ingredient on the label look for the words corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, or corn sweetener.

Are Processed Foods bad for you?

- Not all processed foods are bad for you.  In fact, some processed foods are healthy for you such as milk and frozen vegetables.

 

 

 

 

What Are Examples of Processed Foods?

 

Whole Food                                      Processed Food

 

Potato                                                         Potato Chip

 

     Apple                                           Apple Cereal Bar

 

Fresh Vegetables                               Frozen Vegetables

 

Orange                                              Orange Juice

 

               Oil and Vinegar                                           Salad Dressings

               

                Fresh Turkey                                    Deli Turkey meat

 

                  Cucumber                                             Pickles                                       

 

"Lays(R) Potato Chips, Regular, 1 Oz. Bag, Box Of 104"

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more Information please visit the following websites: www.fda.gov, www.rd.com, www.usda.com, and www.about.com