A recent review published in the journal Nutrients summarized the existing knowledge on the impact of ultra-processed foods on the gut microbiome. The researchers also discussed the NOVA system of food classification and how variations in the implementation of food classification impact the research on ultra-processed foods. Review: Ultra-Processed Foods: A Narrative Review of the Impact on the Human Gut Microbiome and Variations in Classification Methods .
Image Credit: Lightspring / Shutterstock Processed meats and other processed and refined foods form a major part of the Western diet resulting from large-scale, industrialized food production. Along with processed foods, the Western diet also consists of large amounts of added sugars, saturated fats, red meat, and trans fats. Pre-packaged, ready-to-eat foods that are low in nutrients and high in calorific content constitute a large part of processed foods.
However, the convenience, affordability, and added flavors in processed foods have resulted in an increase in unhealthy food choices. Coupled with a lack of adequate physical activity, the Western diet contributes significantly to the increased risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Some of the mechanisms through which the consumption of processed foods elevates the risk of non-communicable diseases include an increase in glycemic response, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, intestinal inflammation, and the imp.
