Safe food

The topic of which types of food are beneficial for maintaining good health has become increasingly complex due to the recent warnings about the negative effects of ultra-processed foods.

According to the British Nutrition Foundation, these types of food make up more than half of the food consumed in the UK and are typically higher in fat, saturated fat, and sugar, while being lower in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.

However, a recent study conducted by researchers from University College London (UCL) suggests that individuals who completely eliminate ultra-processed foods from their diet may be missing out on some healthier options.

The researchers analyzed nearly 3,000 different food items and compared their nutritional content with the front-of-pack traffic-light labeling system. Surprisingly, they discovered that "not all ultra-processed foods had an unhealthy nutrient profile." In fact, more than half of these foods did not display any red front-of-pack traffic lights, indicating that they were not high in fat, saturated fat, sugars, or salt.

Some of the most common ultra-processed foods without red traffic lights included sandwiches, high-fiber breakfast cereals, plant-based milk alternatives, milkshakes, and white bread.

The authors of the study also noted that meat-free products, despite being classified as ultra-processed foods, can still be considered healthy according to the traffic-light system. These products are labeled as green for fat, saturated fat, and sugar, and amber for salt.

In conclusion, while it is important to be cautious about consuming excessive amounts of ultra-processed foods, it is worth noting that not all of these foods are necessarily unhealthy. Some options, such as meat-free products, can still be part of a balanced and nutritious diet.UPFs, or ultra-processed foods, have undergone industrial processing and contain ingredients not typically used at home. Nutritionist Bridget Benelam from the British Nutrition Foundation emphasizes the importance of clear guidance on healthier eating habits. While some UPFs may have more red traffic lights on front-of-pack labels, others like baked beans can provide essential nutrients. Professor Gunter Kuhnle advises consumers to focus on a balanced diet rather than worrying too much about UPFs.Nevertheless, the authors emphasize that not all ultra-processed foods possess an 'unhealthy' composition and could actually be classified as healthy. Professor Kuhnle asserts that there is currently no evidence to suggest that processing has a negative impact on health beyond the composition and texture of the food. He also highlights that because ultra-processed foods are typically more enjoyable to eat and may have a better taste, individuals tend to consume larger quantities of them.

According to Professor Kuhnle, the reason why people consume more ultra-processed foods is because they are generally more palatable. He questions whether the increase in sugar consumption from ultra-processed foods is solely responsible for the growing obesity rates. He believes that ultra-processed foods are not necessarily detrimental to health, but acknowledges that this is a significant question that remains unanswered.

Professor Kuhnle emphasizes that shifting the focus of public health messaging from a well-established understanding of food composition to a more ambiguous focus on processing is likely to cause confusion rather than improve dietary habits. He argues that most people are aware of what they should be eating, but struggle with actually implementing it.

He provides an example of fish fingers, which would be considered an ultra-processed food. However, he states that if a child refuses to eat fish but is willing to eat fish fingers, it can be a practical way of incorporating fish into their diet, even if it falls under the category of ultra-processed.

In conclusion, Professor Kuhnle advises not to worry excessively about ultra-processed foods, but rather to maintain a balanced diet and consider the nutritional content of the food consumed.