Think of it as a showdown between two sides: one rooting for whole or natural foods, the other cheering for super processed snacks. A recent study from the University of Washington adds a twist to this battle, showing that it’s not so black and white. The study reveals that making a meal plan from only natural foods isn’t easy, and some surprisingly good foods fall into the processed category. Let’s dig into the study’s details to understand what’s really going on and how it can help you make better food choices.
First, let’s get what we mean by “processed” foods. These are foods that have a little something extra added in, like more fat, sugar, or salt. They also have special things put in to make them taste better, last longer, or feel different in your mouth.
But here’s the shocker: Most of us think of sugary snacks as processed, which is true. But also, more than 90 out of 100 grains we eat, even the healthy ones like whole-wheat bread and oatmeal, are also called processed. Even 70 out of 100 of the beans, nuts, and seeds we eat fall into this category. It’s kinda confusing, right?
Study Breakdown
The scientists used a computer to cook up “healthy” diets that fit a few rules:
- The diets had to be 2,000 calories exactly.
- They had to give you enough of 22 important nutrients without giving you too much of anything else.
- They had to be similar to what the 857 people in the Seattle Obesity Study ate.
- The computer had a big list of 360 foods. Some were really natural, some a bit processed, and some super processed.
The big question was: Can we create a good meal plan only from natural foods or just from super processed foods?
What the Study Found
The computer couldn’t make a perfect meal plan with only natural or only super processed foods. Only three combinations made meal plans that fit all the rules: One had foods from all groups. The others had foods from three groups but skipped the natural foods.
Here’s the twist: The problem was mostly with vitamin D. When they used half as much, the computer could make meal plans with only natural or only super processed foods.
Takeaways
Processed Foods Aren’t Always Bad
Some processed foods are cool. They help us get nutrients, taste better, and are easy to eat. Some even have extra vitamins.
Not All Natural Foods Are Winners
Natural foods can be great, but not always. Sometimes less natural stuff can give us more energy, especially for folks who exercise a lot.
No Perfect Diet Exists
The computer-made meal plans had weird stuff like candy bars and fries. It shows that there’s no perfect food plan for everyone. People need different things to feel good.
In the food debate, things aren’t always simple. The recent study reminds us that processed foods aren’t always bad, and natural foods aren’t always the champions. It’s like a puzzle, and you have figure out what’s best for you. However, with a mix of foods that make you happy and healthy, you’re the real winner.
References:
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/11/3838/htm
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu4111740
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/15648265100311S103
