It may become the most contentious culinary debate of the 2020s. Some ‘experts’ are starting to ask, can UPFs be part of a healthy diet? On it’s face, the question may seem moot to some. But others are addressing it seriously…
The ‘gospel’ truth?
It’s become nutritional ‘gospel’ in the post-COVID era that processed – particularly ultraprocessed – foods (UPFs) are bad for you. They’re full of excess sugar, salt and fat. And, a such, they’re as addictive as nicotine or alcohol. Or even heroin. And they’ve been implicated in a wide range of diseases and conditions ranging from obesity (and its attendant issues) to memory impairment to heart disease and some cancers.
On the other hand, there are those who point to wide-ranging surveys that show UPFs aren’t as dangerous as the specific studies suggest. A massive data mining project, results of which were published in the authoritative British Medical Journal concluded that UPFs are only marginally implicated in increased risk of death from all causes.
What’s a poor consumer to believe?
Often, the high-flown, technical assertions of the so-called experts leave the masses confused on important issues. And when the experts disagree, it leaves us even deeper in the dark.
So it is with the whole tormented question of UPFs. And to complicate matters further, a new point of view is rising from the professional grassroots, claiming UPFs can be part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
A fraught proposition?
A growing cadre of contrarian studies has come to our attention, suggesting the positives of some UPFs may outweigh their negatives.
According to Yahoo! Life, ‘The study […] also noted that not all ultra-processed foods are bad, pointing out that some, such as ultrafiltered milk, liquid egg whites, unsweetened applesauce and certain brands of canned tomatoes are nutrient-dense. The takeaway? The types of foods we eat may matter more than the level of processing used to make them.”
My take
I am once again compelled to invoke the ancient and venerable, time-proven concept of common sense to deal with the seeming contradictions surrounding UPFs.
I agree wholeheartedly with the folks who insist that all processed foods are not bad. And I’ll go as far as to add, the emotional and crave-feeding benefits of little indulgences in sinful treats now and then far outweigh the scientifically alleged dangers.
As the late, great Julia Child famously said, “All things in moderation. Including moderation!”
My questions to you:
Do you believe that UPFs, selectively and in moderation, can be part of a healthy diet and lifestyle?
Do you believe that UPFs must be avoided at all costs, to ward off obesity and other dreaded diseases?
Do you believe that UPFs must be avoided at all costs, to ward off food addiction?
Do you subscribe to ‘eating right’? If so, do you nevertheless sneak the odd sinful treat now and then?
Muse on that…
~ Maggie J.