Why You Should Avoid Processed Foods

For many of us, processed foods are our guilty pleasure. We love treating ourselves with foods that are packed with excess sugar, salt, and added fats. While this food might taste delicious, it can do horrible things to our bodies. In today’s article, we will go over the risks of processed foods and why you should avoid them. 

Processed Foods Can Increase Your Risk of Cancer

Processed foods often contain artificial colors and flavors, additives, and emulsifiers, often linked to an increased risk of cancer. A 2018 French study found that participants who eat 10% more processed food than their peers also have a 10% increase in cancer risk. The study also found the elevated risk of cancer was not erased for those that don’t smoke or who exercise less. 

An American Cancer Society found that at least 18% of cancers are related to excess body weight and physical inactivity. Poor nutrition and a heavy diet of processed foods can also lead to cancer. One of the best ways to lower your risk of cancer is by limiting the number of processed foods you eat. 

What Can You Eat In Place of Processed Foods?

Processed foods come in many shapes and forms. Baking, frying, or boiling your meals is technically processing it. Unprocessed foods remain in their natural and unmodified state. Avoiding any type of processing is next to impossible and would be very unsustainable. However, here are some of the natural foods you can add to your diet:

• Fresh fruit
• Eggs
• Meats
• Herbs
• Beans
• Legumes 
• Spices

Adding these foods to your diet could greatly improve your overall well-being. You don’t need to swear off processed foods forever, but limiting the amount of processed foods you eat will help greatly. 

The Benefits of Avoiding Processed Foods

Understanding the health benefits of avoiding processed foods could help you better understand why a healthy diet is important. Here are some of the benefits of cutting healthy foods:

• Weight loss – Processed foods  lack in fiber and nutrients, essentially making them empty calories
• Clearer skin – Better skin health is one of the primary benefits of giving up processed foods. Preservatives found in processed foods can get in the way of clear and healthy skin
• More energy – Processed foods can leave you drowsy all day long. Your body will spend much needed energy on breaking down processed foods
• Your mood will improve – If you often find yourself feeling crabby, it could be because of your diet. Processed chemicals found in processed foods can greatly affect your mood
• Better sleep – Heavy, fat-filled foods can disrupt your sleep schedule. Added sugar can keep you wired by spiking blood sugar, making it difficult to wind down for the night

If you’re interested in any of these benefits, consider cutting processed foods out of your diet!

Do You Need Help With Your Diet?

If you need help with your diet, our team at The Gut Authority is here to help. We work with residents throughout the Pensacola, Florida area. We will help you improve your gut health by helping you improve your diet. Reach out today to find out what it is we can do for you!