HOW TO EAT TO BE HEALTHY – Consumers Association Penang

Most foods sold at the supermarket are processed in some way. When food is processed, its texture and flavour change. Processed foods contain added salt, oil, sugar, fat, or other substances. Examples include canned soup and beef jerky.

Some foods are very highly processed (called ultra-processed foods) and are mostly or entirely made from additive substances. In addition to added salt, sugar, and fat, they may contain artificial flavours, preservatives, thickeners, artificial colours, emulsifiers, or artificial sweeteners. Some examples are sugary drinks, margarine, cookies, and breakfast cereals.

Heavily processed foods can have adverse effects on your health. They are linked to medical conditions, such as: Type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer and dementia.

To be healthy, eat whole foods in their original form or very close to their original form. Some examples of whole foods are fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, fish, beans, nuts, and seeds.

– edited extracts from Very Well Health