🥐 Ultra-Processed Foods – How Much Are We Really Eating?

Did you know? A recent NIH study found that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) make up 70% of the American diet! 🍔🥤

🔬 This study, led by Dr. Kevin Hall at NIH Bethesda, had participants live in a controlled setting, tracking their food intake, body measurements, metabolism, and even the air they breathed out! 🫁🔥 (I will put the link in the comments)

🍞 What Counts as Ultra-Processed?

Even foods we consider “healthy”—like sliced bread—often contain additives and preservatives that push them into the ultra-processed category. 🏭❌

A landmark study used AI & machine learning to analyze food labels in grocery stores. Results? A staggering 73% of U.S. food supply is ultra-processed! 🤯

🔹 Example: A raw onion = minimally processed 🧅 ✅, but frozen onion rings = ultra-processed 🏭❌. The processing changes its natural components more than 10-fold!

⚠️ Why Does This Matter?

Eating UPFs makes it harder for our bodies to regulate hunger, leading to overeating, metabolic diseases, and increased health risks.

The big question: Should governments regulate UPFs the same way they regulate tobacco & alcohol? 🤔

Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️