7 high-calorie and unhealthy foods
Illustrative photo (Freepik)
Food that undergoes multiple stages of production and contains many ingredients becomes ultra-processed (UPF) and loses any nutritional benefit. Such products are high in calories and can harm the body, according to nutritionist Olha Bezuhla.
What are ultra-processed foods (UPF)?
According to the NOVA food classification system, UPF are foods created using industrial technologies and ingredients that are not usually consumed in their natural form.
According to the expert, this includes substances extracted from foods, such as oils and fats, and those obtained chemically, such as hydrogenated fats and food additives.
The nutritionist listed several examples of UPF:
- Soft drinks
- Candies
- Packaged baked goods
- Pre-cooked pasta dishes
- Pre-cooked pizza
- Fish nuggets
- Hot dogs
Risks of consuming these products
These products constitute a significant portion of calories in the modern diet of many people and are associated with an increased risk of developing various gastrointestinal diseases.
Olha Bezuhla said that studies published in scientific journals confirm that high consumption of UPF may be linked to overweight and obesity, metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
These products often contain high levels of sugar, fats, and salt, which can contribute to the development of these health issues.
Ultra-processed food can cause the following harm to the body:
- Increased risk of death from cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attack and stroke)
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety and depression
