Medical Minute: Eating Healthier By Avoiding Processed Foods

If you're trying to eat healthier, one way is to skip ultra-processed foods.

Ultra-processed foods are everywhere. Their convenience and cost are appealing, but health experts say the long list of ingredients should make you think twice. Here's how you can identify ultra-processed foods while shopping.

“We're eating more processed foods. We're getting away from vegetables and fruits,” one expert said.

Ultra-processed foods are designed to be easy to eat, tasty, and have a longer shelf life, but doctors say they are not good for your health.

“We really are talking about avoiding things that are the ultra-processed stuff in the middle of the store—cookies, chips, you know, the stuff that comes in a box,” the expert added.

One way to tell easily: There is usually a long list of ingredients, many of which you've likely never heard of. If the list includes things you wouldn’t use in your own kitchen, it’s likely ultra-processed.

“When you're able, prepare meals at home. We know that when you prepare meals for yourself, you know exactly what goes in it,” the expert advised.

The Washington Post lists some other red flags of processed foods. Look for added sweeteners like corn syrup and cane sugar, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, ingredients that end with “…ose” such as fructose or glucose, and foods that are “instant” or available in many flavors.

Leaving these unhealthy, ultra-processed products on the shelf means more room in your cart for foods that benefit your body.

Experts also warn us to be mindful of clever marketing tactics that can make processed foods look healthy but still include a lot of added ingredients or sugars.