In recent years we have heard more and more about the on ultra-processed foods, and the harmful effects it can have on our health. But for many people, it is still not clear what the difference is between processed and ultra-processed foods and why we need to take them seriously.
The difference between processed and ultra-processed foods
What exactly is the difference between the two categories? By definition, any food that has undergone a change is a processed food. This can include everyday procedures such as cooking, steaming, baking, i.e. heating, pickling, blending, etc. However, these interventions do not pose any particular risk to our health.
The situation is different for ultra-processed foods. A change is made to a nutrient in such a way that its effect on the human body is substantially altered. This altered effect may be what is causing the problem and why it is worth paying more attention to their consumption.
Why is the consumption of ultra-processed foods a problem?
Let's play with words a bit! What is a nutrient? - A substance that, when ingested, replenishes the body's energy, vitamin and mineral needs, supporting development. If we compare this with the concept of ultra-processed foods, the contradiction is immediately apparent: ultra-processed foods often do not support the functioning and development of our bodies, so they cannot really be called real food. It's like pouring blue paint into yellow paint: the mixture turns green, but you can't recognise the yellow or the blue.
The benefits of ultra-processed foods are often seen in their ease of preparation. Tasty, cheap, quick to prepare, but these advantages can have serious disadvantages in the long run.
The dangers of getting used to the flavours
Delicious ultra-processed foods can make our taste buds add to the taste they often encounter. When I was a child, for example, we didn't eat cheese because my father didn't like it, so I got used to the taste of cheese later on. Over time I grew to love cheese, but later I found out that dairy products are not necessarily for human consumption, so I had to change again. This shows that tastes can be "taught", but it is not always good for our health.
Another big advantage of ultra-processed foods is that they are cheap
One of the most common arguments in favour of ultra-processed food is the price. They seem like a cheap, quick solutionbut is it worth it? A friend of mine, for example, always chooses her dog's diet carefully, making sure she gets all the nutrients she needs. But it is interesting that, for ourselves, cheapness is often our first consideration - even if it is bad for our health.
The cost of time savings and speed
Speed is another attractive factor. Just throw the frozen pizza in the oven, and dinner is ready. But is it worth the time saved if we are not 'fueling' our bodies properly? The term ultra clearly implies something extreme, while our bodies have evolved over millions of years to respond to slow, balanced changes.
Concluding thoughts
I heard an important question in a podcast: "If you don't take care of your body, what will you live in?" Ultra-processed foods may seem like a convenient and quick fix in a fast-paced world, but if we are not careful to consume real nutrients, we are putting our own health at risk in the long run. Our food isn't just fuel; it nourishes and sustains our bodies - which is why we need to be selective about what we put into our bodies.
