Health is ‘Declining’ Due to Processed Foods: How to Turn the Tide

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Our health is facing a severe crisis, and the main cause is not infectious diseases or strange bacteria, but our daily food choices. Processed foods – the type most of us consume daily – are the main culprits. These products seem convenient, tasty, and easy to carry, but they are packed with preservatives, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, all of which can lead to negative health consequences.

A study published in The Lancet in 2020 showed that diets high in processed foods increase the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and even colorectal cancer. According to the study, those who consume processed foods have a disease rate 30% higher than those who eat a healthy diet. Not only do they suffer from physical health problems, but they also face psychological issues such as stress and anxiety due to nutritional imbalances (The Lancet, 2020).

A diet high in processed foods is one of the key factors contributing to the increasing global obesity rates. 40% of the global population is currently overweight or obese, and this number is rapidly increasing. Obesity not only reduces quality of life but also leads to many dangerous diseases such as high blood pressure, stroke, arteriosclerosis, and diabetes. A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021 showed that people with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 are twice as likely to die from cardiovascular diseases compared to those with a normal weight (World Health Organization, WHO, 2021).

“Health is not only a matter of the body, but it is closely linked to diet. Processed foods are directly attacking our bodies, causing harm from within.” – Dr. Nguyễn Lan Hương, nutrition expert, National Institute of Nutrition (2022).

We often think that processed foods only affect our physical condition, but in reality, their impacts go much further. This diet not only makes our bodies more susceptible to diseases but also causes disruptions in the gut microbiome – a critical factor in maintaining the immune system and overall health. When we consume too many processed foods, the gut microbiome becomes imbalanced, leading to chronic inflammation, immune suppression, and an increased risk of diseases such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, and even cancers.

“The balance in the gut microbiome can play a significant role in preventing lifestyle-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Processed foods are one of the causes of this imbalance.” – Dr. John Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University (2021).

One of the reasons we continue to consume processed foods, even though we know they are harmful, is due to the convenience and low cost. However, this is a trap we inadvertently fall into. To break free, we need to gradually but firmly change our eating habits. Instead of buying processed meals, we can prepare food at home, choosing fresh and easy-to-cook ingredients. This not only ensures nutritional quality but also helps reduce harmful preservatives and fats.

According to a report from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2019), replacing some processed foods with dishes made from fresh ingredients can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by up to 28%. Studies also show that adding more vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, and whole grains to our daily diet helps the body fight diseases and maintain long-term health (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2019).

Even though modern life is filled with temptations and conveniences from processed foods, understanding their harms is crucial for making changes. Improving our eating habits and focusing on health from small steps is the best way to protect our bodies and prevent diseases in the future.