Processed food and its impact on the Global health

Disclaimer : This is my belief , to some extent supported by science, but please do your own study before taking any drastic decisions Let me start with the summery of the long article :

1) Fast foods , processed foods do cause obesity , heart disease , diabetes , mental disorders and also cancer 2) excess calories shorten lifespan . Fasting , intermitent Fasting can increase lifespan

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3) A fruit and vegetable-based diet is can be protective against cancer. 4) Oil , salt , sugar fall under processed or refined food category

The fundamental concern as we look to reform health globally is the known reality that most chronic diseases that afflict populations are predominantly lifestyle-induced; and the belief is that the vast majority of heart attacks and strokes could be prevented if people were willing to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors. In addition, healthy lifestyles would impact a significant number of cancers which are also believed to be related to lifestyle exposures, especially to obesity, cigarettes, and other toxins.

Over the past 50 years, the health of populations has deteriorated, and now a significant percentage of people are overweight or obese. Today, consuming processed foods and fast foods may contribute to premature deaths more than certain harmful habits. Authorities determined this figure by classifying people with a body mass index (BMI) over a certain threshold as overweight or obese. Yet in long-lived societies such as in the “Blue Zones” and wherever we find groups of centenarians, we observe a healthy BMI below this threshold. If we use this lower threshold, then we find that a high percentage of the population is overweight. A recent study documented that only a small percentage of the population adopts a relatively healthy lifestyle by combining exercise with healthy eating. The prevailing dietary pattern in many regions is clearly not healthy.

The term “Fast Food Genocide” is used because many don’t understand the depth and breadth of the harm as a large segment of society eats a diet worse than the prevailing unhealthy diet. Many people recognize that junk food, fast food, processed food, and other unhealthy options contribute to various health issues, but many don’t realize the strong causative role an unhealthy diet may have in mental illness. Currently, a significant portion of the population suffers from psychiatric disorders. Additionally, the harm that processed foods have on people living in areas where they don’t have easy access to whole, fresh foods is often overlooked.

These unfortunate individuals live in what are called “food deserts,” with reduced availability of fresh fruits and vegetables. Because of limited access to supermarkets, they consume more unhealthy fast and processed foods and end up facing higher risks of early-life health issues. The vulnerable in these areas also have elevated risks of heart attack, diabetes, and renal failure. Unfortunately, the decrease in life span due to food inequality is rarely discussed.

A link may even exist between fast food, processed food, and destruction of brain cells and a lowering of intelligence. The nutritional fundamentals accepted by global health organizations include vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and fruit as healthy foods; and excessive consumption of certain products as disease-causing. Excessive amounts of animal products may lead to premature aging, increased risk of chronic disease, and higher all-cause mortality.

Research has shown that excess calories shorten lifespan, whereas moderate caloric restriction slows the aging process and protects the body and brain. Many populations consume more calories than necessary and consume foods with minimal or no nutritional value. A moderate reduction in caloric intake may slow down the aging process and contribute to longevity.

A nutritarian diet is designed to establish excellent micronutrient intake without excess calories. It encourages seeking out foods rich in nutrients and limiting or excluding empty-calorie foods and drinks. A nutritarian diet is rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants and emphasizes a vegetable-based diet. While the standard diet in many regions lacks exposure to a broad spectrum of antioxidants and phytochemicals, it is important to note that not all plant-based diets are equally protective against cancer.

In comparison, many prevailing dietary patterns are almost the opposite of a nutritarian diet. A significant percentage of calories in these diets come from processed foods, and a substantial portion comes from animal products. The consumption of fresh produce is often much lower than reported due to the inclusion of processed items in the definition of “produce.”

Fast foods include a range of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods that people often consume frequently. These foods are often processed, calorically dense, highly flavored, and nutritionally poor. They typically contain multiple chemicals and synthetic ingredients. When calories flood the bloodstream rapidly, they have significant biological effects. The consumption of certain types of food, such as high glycemic white flour products and foods fried in oil, can have negative health implications.

Oils are also considered processed foods. Consuming oil leads to rapid absorption of calories and contributes to obesity, disease, and premature aging. Nutrients and fiber are needed to control appetite and caloric intake. A diet high in micronutrients and fiber can reduce the drive to overeat.

Enhanced detoxification occurs most effectively during the catabolic phase of the digestive cycle. The goal for excellent health is to eat as infrequently as possible. Many people believe just the opposite and eat frequent small meals that increase the risk for various health issues. Processed and fast foods are also high in salt and sugar, which can lead to various health problems.

In conclusion, the prevailing dietary patterns in many regions contribute significantly to the global health crisis. A shift towards healthier eating habits, emphasizing nutrient-dense foods and reducing the consumption of processed and fast foods, is essential to improving global health and reducing the burden of chronic diseases. Efforts to increase access to healthy foods, promote education on healthy eating, and raise awareness about the importance of lifestyle choices are crucial steps towards achieving this goal.