Understanding Processed Foods

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What does the term 'processed food' refer to?

Food that's had something done to it to transform it before reaching the kitchen, such as freezing, canning, or fermenting.

Why is processing important for many packaged foods?

Processing renders the food safe to eat and convenient for busy lives.

What are Ultra Processed Foods (UPFs) and why should we be wary of them?

UPFs are foods that have undergone industrial processing resulting in energy-dense, nutrient-poor, high-sugar, high-fat, and high-salt products. We should be wary of them due to their unhealthy nutritional profile.

Why is it important to understand the spectrum of processing when shopping for food?

Understanding the spectrum of processing helps to avoid unnecessary stress when shopping for food. Signup and view all the answers

What is the NOVA food classification system?

It is a system devised by researchers in Brazil to classify food and drink formulations made of food-derived substances and additives, often containing little or no whole foods. Signup and view all the answers

According to Dr. Sally Mackay, how can ultra-processed foods be distinguished from whole foods?

Ultra-processed foods are those where you can't tell what the ingredients are, or they look nothing like the raw ingredients that went into them. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a minimally processed food, as mentioned in the text?

Yoghurt with just milk and culture added. Signup and view all the answers

Why are ultra-processed foods considered bad for health?

They tend to be energy-dense and nutrient-poor, often containing added sugar, salt, fat, and unhealthy trans fats, as well as other additives like flavorings, colorings, and preservatives. Signup and view all the answers

What makes ultra-processed foods highly attractive and palatable?

They often contain added sugar, salt, fat, and other flavor-enhancing additives. Signup and view all the answers

According to Dr. Sally Mackay, why is it hard to avoid ultra-processed foods completely?

People will always eat ultra-processed foods, and it's really hard to have a diet without them. However, the goal is to steer people away from the very ultra-processed foods. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the health issues linked to Ultra Processed Foods (UPFs) according to the text?

obesity, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, depression Signup and view all the answers

According to the Global Food Research Programme at the University of North Carolina, how do they define Ultra Processed Foods (UPFs)?

UPFs are edible products formulated from food-derived substances, along with additives that heighten their appeal and durability Signup and view all the answers

What is the Nova classification system and why is it significant in the context of Ultra Processed Foods?

The Nova classification system categorizes foods based on the extent and purpose of their processing. It is significant because it helps identify and classify Ultra Processed Foods (UPFs). Signup and view all the answers

What challenges does Aotearoa face in addressing the issue of Ultra Processed Foods (UPFs) according to the text?

The food industry's resistance to regulation of UPFs Signup and view all the answers

According to Professor Boyd Swinburn, what does he consider to be the most convincing driver of the rise in obesity?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) Signup and view all the answers

What did a study published in Nutrients in 2020 link UPF exposure with?

At least one adverse health outcome Signup and view all the answers

In what ways are UPFs designed and manufactured for maximum profit?

They contain low-cost ingredients, have long shelf-lives, are hyper-palatable, and are highly branded and marketed to consumers. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the packaged food sold in New Zealand supermarkets meets the UPF classification, according to New Zealand researchers?

Nearly 70 percent Signup and view all the answers

Why does Professor Boyd Swinburn believe the obesity explosion cannot be explained by diminishing personal responsibility or a lack of activity and exercise?

It lands on food and something marked has changed since then. Signup and view all the answers

What does the World Health Organisation report about the worldwide obesity rates between 1975 and 2016?

Obesity almost tripled Signup and view all the answers