The shelves of grocery stores are stacked with packaged food, from frozen dinners to canned soups. While it is well known that processed foods may contain unhealthy ingredients (saturated oils, food additives, etc. ), they are also a great way to save money. What are the elements that nutritionists avoid to prolong their shelf life?
It’s important to know what you are buying before adding an item to your shopping cart. As a registered nutritionist and dietitian, Ashley Kitchens stressed the importance of knowing what you put into your body. It’s crucial to understand how your food choices affect your daily nutritional needs and your overall health.
Each brand’s recipe and ingredients are different, making it even harder to decide. Even if the products look similar, they may not be made with the same ingredients, according to registered dietitian nutritionist Danielle Gaffen.
Two brands of granola bars, for example, are likely to have different sweeteners or additives. Gaffen explained that “this variability is a good reason to be aware of the ingredients in our food, since many additives can negatively impact gut health through inflammation or disease activity.”
Be aware of the food you choose when you buy processed foods. Kitchens advised: “If you are going to purchase a packaged product, ensure that it is in line with your diet and choose something you enjoy and feels good.” Don’t be fooled by labels. It’s not just the packaging that is important. There are many marketing techniques used to get you to purchase a product.
Nutritionists explain what they look for and why they limit or avoid certain ingredients in packaged food.
Ingredients list
Emulsifiers (Carrageenan, Guar Gum, Etc. )
Food additives called emulsifiers can help to blend ingredients that don’t normally mix, like oil and water. They also give a product a smoother texture and extend its shelf life. Carrageenan is a common emulsifier, as are guar gums, gellan gums, and soy lecithin.
The Food and Drug Administration considers additives to be safe. Gaffen stated that emulsifiers are linked to changes in gut bacteria. This imbalance could lead to chronic inflammation and abnormal immune responses or even increase the risk for diseases such as colitis.
Emulsifiers can be found in many food products, including chocolate, baked goods, milk, and plant based milk and ice cream. Emulsifiers can be derived from plant or animal sources.
Carrageenan is an example of a plant-based emulsifier. Maltodextrin, methylcellulose, and polysorbate are animal-based.
Gaffen stated that Animal Studies showed that carrageenan could be linked to digestive diseases, inflammation, and even cancer. “Likewise, maltodextrin was found to alter gut bacteria composition, suppressing beneficial probiotics while promoting harmful bacteria such as E.coli. coli.”
High Fructose Corn (HFCS)
High-fructose syrup, a highly processed corn sweetener, is used in a variety of packaged foods. Because it is cheaper and sweeter than sugar, high-fructose corn syrup is used in sodas, juices, baked products, cereals, and flavored yogurts.
High-fructose Corn Syrup can have a variety of side effects, including digestive problems.
Gaffen explained that “Diets high in fructose, especially from HFCS, may contribute to inflammatory bowel diseases.” can contribute to inflammatory diseases by eating a diet high in fructose. High Another