Negative Impact in Transformation, Ultra-processing Of Agric Product

Food processing is the transformation of agricultural products into food or of one form of food into other forms. Food processing takes many forms, from grinding grain into raw flour, home cooking, and complex industrial methods used in the making of convenience foods.

Some food processing methods play important roles in reducing food waste and improving food preservation, thus reducing the total environmental impact of agriculture and improving food security.

The Nova classification groups food according to different food processing techniques.

Primary food processing is necessary “to make most foods edible,” while secondary food processing “turns ingredients into familiar food” like products, such as bread.

Tertiary food processing results in ultra-processed food like products and has been “widely criticized for contributing to metabolic diseases” such as, obesity and most non acute inflammation diseases, including Autoimmune disease.

“These ultra-processed food like products contain added man-made chemicals and preservatives that are not naturally occurring and/or easily extracted from hybridized and/or genetically manipulated plants such as, sugar, corn syrup and seed oils, and also are combined with unnecessary added fiber creating an unhealthy food like product causing metabolic health issues of humans and farm animals.”

Ultra-processed foods can have several negative effects on health due to their high levels of additives, unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt. Here are seven bad effects:

1. Poor Nutritional Quality: Ultra-processed foods often lack essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fibre, contributing to an imbalanced diet.

2. Weight Gain: These foods tend to be calorie-dense and low in satiety, leading to overeating and potential weight gain.

3. Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: Regular consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to an increased risk of conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.

4. Higher Sugar Intake: These foods often contain high levels of added sugars, which can lead to insulin resistance, weight gain, and dental problems.

5. Elevated Blood Pressure: The excessive sodium content in ultra-processed foods can contribute to hypertension and other cardiovascular issues.

6. Gut Health Disruption: Lack of fiber and high levels of additives can negatively impact gut microbiota diversity, affecting digestion and overall health.

7. Addictive Properties: The combination of salt, sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives in ultra-processed foods can trigger addictive eating behaviours, making it difficult to control consumption

Choosing whole, minimally processed foods can help mitigate these negative effects and promote better health.

Agronigeria/Shakirat Sadiq