Are you slowly damaging your health with daily food choices? Processed food is a common choice of people in modern diets. It increases the risk of chronic diseases.
Let’s discuss some hidden risks of processed foods.
For example as a neurosurgeon in SouthPunjab, I have come to appreciate the impact of nutrition on the mental and neurological health of patients.
However people can choose processed foods, because it can save their time and effort to prepare them. Because they are too busy with their daily tasks these could be cheaper.
Moreover due to their sweet fragrance and attractive packaging people are more captivated to purchase it. They can not recognize its harmful effects.
What Are Processed Foods, Really?
Not all processed food is harmful for our health but we remained carefully selective. However, canning, drying and freezing certain types of foods can boost nutrient retention.
We also know the fact that things can worsen when we add artificial ingredients, preservatives, and large quantities of sugar and fats.
For example processed foods include chips, sugary beverages, instant noodles, frozen meals, and even a few health snacks.
The Slow Damage to Our Bodies
If we use processed food regularly into our diet then it can cause many health issues such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Therefore we can not feel its impact immediately but it gradually accumulates into our body. If we take a cookie and a soda bottle then it can make our bodies overwhelmed.
How Processed Foods Affect Brain Health
It reveals through recent research that what we eat reflects on our body functioning. Processed foods can also damage our brain and bring mood regulation.
Because diets high in processed foods can contribute to memory issues, foggy thinking and even neurodegenerative diseases over time. These effects can be particularly harmful for growing children and aging adults.
The Impact on Mental Health
Processed foods not only damages our physical health but it also impacts our mental health. So we have to be careful while choosing the type of food for our daily routine..
For example, as a psychiatrist from Multan I deal with a lot of causes of mood disorders and dietary choices which are equally related to our diet, emotional and mental clarity.
Hidden Ingredients You Should Watch For
Many processed foods contain harmful ingredients like monosodium glutamate (MSG), trans fats, artificial sweeteners and chemical based food colorings.
However these substances can cause allergic reactions, hormonal imbalances and even long-term organ damage. So we should have to be very careful while choosing our meal.
Most people can not read the labels carefully. They are only attracted by their catchy slogans and tend to consume such additives without being aware of them.
Why Kids Are at Greater Risk
The most susceptible to the effects of processed foods are children. Because they are in the age of growing these food harmful chemical based ingredients. So taking these foods can put them at high risk of disturbing growth.
However as parents it’s our responsibility to manage health choices. We provided them with healthier alternatives. Which can support their overall immune system.
Taking Back Control of Our Plates
We do not have to remove all processed foods at once. But we have to take small steps and go a long way. We can only choose the diet according to our age and internal body demand.
However, by following some steps such as reading the labels more intently, increasing the number of meals cooked at home and including fresh or natural ingredients. Awareness also plays an important role.
A Community Approach to Health
At Mash Hospital, we focus on the holistic or integrated model of care. We provide awareness on following nutritional diet plans that support our mental well being and community education.
For example if we start believing that food is not just a source of energy but medicine then we can see that it’s healing from inside.
Final Thoughts
Processed foods offer relief in terms of preparation and cooking time, but it can damage our physical as well as our mental health also. Keep in mind that not all processed food affects our bodies negatively.
However from chronic illness to mental health issues we are at risk of losing the battle of life. The possibility is really precarious and causes many health risks in future.
Therefore if we make efforts and spread awareness to adopt healthier practices in the community. Then it is possible to save individuals from unwanted suffering and protect our next generations from these dangers.
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