The Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods: How to Identify and Eliminate Them from Your Diet for Better Health Outcomes

A growing concern among health experts is the impact of consuming ultra-processed foods, which are estimated to account for more than half of the daily caloric intake of American consumers. Elizabeth Simkus, a nurse practitioner with the RUSH Prevention Center, warns about the high consumption of these foods, particularly among adolescents and children.

To identify ultra-processed foods in your pantry, Simkus suggests checking the ingredients. These foods typically include hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, flavor enhancers, and additives. Common sources of these ingredients include packaged snacks, cereals, cookies, and fast food.

Recent research published in the British Medical Journal has linked high consumption of ultra-processed foods to adverse health outcomes such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, certain cancers, and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. To improve their health outcomes, Simkus advises individuals to gradually eliminate some of these foods from their diet by starting with one type of food at a time.

She recommends choosing whole foods like fruits, vegetables