Whole Foods Vs Processed Foods

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Have you ever found yourself pondering the food in the isle at the supermarket? On the shelves of today’s grocery stores, whether it be local or a nationwide chain, are filled with food that can be hard to decipher. Basically, foods can be broken down into two categories: whole and processed. So, what is the difference? Whole food can be defined as, “Food that has been processed or refined as little as possible, if at all, and is free from additives or other artificial substances.” Processed food is defined as, “Food designed to have a long shelf-life through addition of preservatives, colorings, additives, and flavorings.” (Your Dictionary). Commercial manufacturers have taken over the food industry. Because of their relatively low costs consumers …show more content…
Most importantly, diets rich in whole grain, vegetables, and fruit have shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type two diabetes. Whole foods are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber (a substance most American’s diets lack). (Morgan Griffin, pg 1). Whole foods have shown to decrease chances of cancer because they contain substances the body can use and/or excrete later. Many people, especially women are concerned with body image. With images everywhere we look of polished models, we seek perfection without the tools to achieve such a goal. By simply eating more whole foods people can lower their risks of health related diseases and obtain a figure they are seeking. Eating processed food does not provide the body with any benefits, except to satisfy our taste buds. People eat to satisfy there is psychological need for certain tastes. Otherwise, the large majority of Americans would not be …show more content…
Processed food provides a “reward” system for the brain much like alcohol or other drugs affect the brain. The brain says, “Oh yeah, I like that. Give me more.” Because our body is telling us it likes what it is eating, we eat more. This leads to overconsumption, which eventually leads to being overweight. Processed foods are also high in added sugar. When the body detects an increase in sugar insulin is released to lower blood glucose levels. If blood glucose levels continue to stay elevated, the body will build a resistance to insulin release, leading to diabetes. The affects can be reversed with medication and a change in diet. Additionally, processed foods have no nutritional value. They are often referred to as “empty calories”. Processed foods have added sugar and a high fat content, leading to a higher calorie food product with no nutritional value. (Authority Nutrition). Whole foods are nutrient dense foods. They are lower in calories and provide the body with vitamins and minerals that processed foods do
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