Staying on top of what’s good to eat and what’s not can sometimes feel like a full time job! However, there is one way to ensure that you and your family are eating well all of the time and that’s to avoid processed foods!  Processed foods are foods which have gone through any industrially managed process before landing up on your plate.

Why are processed foods bad for us though and which are the worst offenders? This in itself can be very confusing to understand as some processed foods aren’t as terrible as others…how bad can a fish finger really be? Well homemade fish fingers are far better than the frozen kind and this article will explain some of the reasons behind the advice to stay away from processed foods.

1: Corn Sugar: Number one on the “naughty list” is corn sugar or High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS). This nasty is added to many biscuits and cakes as well as soft drinks and ice-cream. It’s been pointed out as a big cause of diabetes and it should be avoided at all costs! The reason HFCS is added to baked goods is because it creates a “nice” even golden brown colouring which is appealing to consumers and also because it’s extremely sweet…and people like sweet!  Check the ingredients on any biscuits or other sweet goods which you’re thinking of purchasing and if this horror is in there…leave well alone!

2: Artificial sweeteners: these are used in diet products as well as so-called “low sugar” alternatives such as diet sodas and “low fat” drinks. Watch out for the products that trumpet the fact that they have “no added sugar” as they’re often packed full of artificial sweeteners such as Acesulfame-K, Aspartame and Saccharine. These chemicals are extremely processed and have been linked to cancer, tinnitus and various neurological disorders.

3: MSG: this additive is used to make things “tastier” and you’ll often find it in takeaway foods as well as savoury snacks. It’s monosodium glutamate and it does terrible things to your mood as well as being thought to cause headaches and behavioural issues.

4: Benzoate Preservatives: these are added to canned foods to make them last longer. They’re thought to cause cancer, behavioural issues and to disrupt female hormone management. Read labels and look out for BHT, BHA and TBHQ which are the worst of the offenders.

5: Hydrogenated Oils: these are added to items which may be expected to have a long shelf life such as canned goods. They’re linked to high cholesterol and heart disease. They may ensure that food in cans remains stable for longer but they won’t do your heart any good at all.

Taking steps to avoid processed foods can be overwhelming at first; especially if you are used to relying on convenience foods due to a lack of time. However, once you adjust you will see just how many foods which you assumed to be healthy are in fact not at all good for you in the long term. Try making things from scratch and freezing them for use at a later date when you have less time.

You can make burgers, stews, soups, homemade fish fingers and casseroles for use at a later date and you won’t find it difficult once you get into the swing of things. Home made fish fingers and freshly cut potato wedges makes a much tastier meal than the version you’ve bought from the local frozen food supermarket!

About our guest

Mario Cipek is a foodie and a lover of home cooked food. He has a strong onus on fresh food at home and enjoys organic vegetables and fruit and writes for http://anchordairy.co.uk/

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