Processed foods have been more prevalent in the diets of people across America in recent decades. It has been promoted to eat crispy chips, sweet candy and sugary drinks such as soda throughout the media without knowing the possible side effects of consuming such products. Individuals in Missouri have noticed the issues processed foods have surfaced among Americans and themselves.
Simoriah Longhorn is a graduate of Missouri State University with a Bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics. She said many people are not informed about the risks of processed foods.
“Proper education is the largest thing that is impacting people’s diet in a negative way,” Longhorn said. “With processed foods, many people are not fully aware of how processed foods impact their health. Another example would be those with health conditions, their insurance may not allow them to see a dietitian for a reasonable price, so they aren’t aware of the best way to eat for their condition and their medications.”
Many may not have access to cleaner and less processed foods, causing them to eat what is available which is not always the healthiest option.
“When the technology was invented to have meals be packaged faster, families jumped on that,” Wellness and nutrition teacher at Nixa High School, Marcy Wood said. “When things are packaged, they have to put more chemicals in them to make them last longer. For most teenagers that can’t drive, or don’t shop, these foods might be the only option. That is what is in their cabinets or refrigerators at home.”
With the United States leading as the country with the most ultra-processed food consumption according to the National Institutes of Health, ultra-processed foods account for 60 percent of daily caloric intake. Wood said there is a way to find out whether what food you’re shopping for is healthier or not.
“Advertisements and commercials are not promoting healthy foods, they are promoting unhealthy options,” Wood said. “When you look it up, about 80 percent are promoting unhealthy items. Grocery stores are filled with unhealthy foods. If you buy most of your food from the outside aisles of a grocery store, you are purchasing the healthier food options and if you head into the aisle you are buying processed foods.”
Although there are various healthy alternatives to processed foods, sophomore Airiana Tate, said they are difficult to avoid.
“They’re bad for you, but I know it’s going to be inevitable to completely avoid them,” Tate said. “I personally don’t try to avoid them because it’s what’s primarily around but eventually, I would like to try and avoid them and learn alternatives to those processed foods.”
While it might be expensive to find healthier and cheaper food, it may contribute to an array of diseases.
“Research does show that eating a diet that mainly consists of processed foods without whole foods often will lead to long-term health issues such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and gut issues,” Longhorn said. “However, factors such as environment, genetics, stress and activity level also impact someone’s likelihood of developing health problems.”
Longhorn said The United States might have more laid-back restrictions regarding processed foods, compared to other countries, due to ongoing research of these toxins.
“The impact of things like artificial sweeteners, certain preservatives and additives is being looked into by dietitians, food scientists and other medical professionals,” Longhorn said. “The reason many ingredients are not being filtered better may be because research is constantly evolving, and there is not a clear worry yet.”
Tate said that the FDA’s more lenient past restrictions are destructive to the health of Americans for profit.
“I think it’s definitely wrong considering they let Red 40 get into so many products, and they know it’s not healthy at all when it comes down to it,” Tate said. “They put out what makes the most money for them and what’s not best for the people.”
There are discrepancies in nutrition labels as well as what is included in the ingredients of a product. However, food-producing companies can explore different ways to describe their product and the nutrition that comes with it.
“I believe that marketing needs to be clearer and more informative,” Longhorn said “Instead of labeling foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ we could provide more transparency around the nutritional content, especially for ingredients like sodium, saturated fat and added sugars. A straightforward, easy-to-understand system could help consumers make informed choices based on what they’re looking for in their diet.”
Ideal diets vary and the need for help when figuring out what foods one could incorporate into their diet is necessary to satisfy one’s personal goals.
“We offer a couple of different types of health classes at school which should teach the basics,” Wood said. “I do however feel it would be in the best interest of the student to do their research with their families and pediatrician to see what goals they have in mind. Everyone’s body goal is different and we have students that need to gain weight or muscle, lose weight to be healthy or maintain their current weight.”
It is difficult for people to get properly treated for food-related problems after they have already damaged their overall health.
“If individuals had access to proper nutrition education or the opportunity to meet with a dietitian before health problems arise, I believe many complications could be prevented or reduced,” Longhorn said.