Processed foods questions

Key video vocabulary

Experts have expressed caution

a detrimental effect on our bodies

nutritional contect

Unhealthy foods video exercises

Ultra-processed food Full text

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Video discussion questions

• What foods can have the most detrimental effect on our bodies?
• What foods have high nutritional value?
• How to follow a balanced daily diet?
• Is healthy eating your goal? What can help you to achieve healthy eating goals?
• What is traditional food? Is it healthier?
• What are your favorite comfort foods?
• Will people eat less ultra-processed food in the future?
• What kind of foods will be popular in the future?
• Is it necessary for a dessert to be from processed foods in order to be delicious?

How often do you eat fast food?

Additional listening and reading about processed foods

It’s AumSum Time. Are Processed foods Safe to eat? Yeah, because they are so yummy. No. Processed food means the food item has been altered in some way or the other. It may involve washing, peeling, cutting the food item. Or pasteurizing, freezing, adding oil, salt or sugar to increase the product’s shelf-life. Processed foods include tinned vegetables, yogurt, cheese, etc. Ultra-processed foods are ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat products manufactured industrially using multiple ingredients and additives. Some examples include instant noodles, breakfast cereals, etc. Now, many of these ultra-processed foods are believed to have negative health effects. Why? Firstly, ultra-processed foods are unhealthy for our digestive system as they are low in fiber. Fiber promotes bowel movements and it is an important food source. For beneficial bacteria in our large intestine. Secondly, many of these foods are high in trans-fat which increases the level of bad cholesterol. Thirdly, high amounts of salt, sugar and chemical additives in these foods may increase the risk of diabetes, obesity, etc.

Are frozen foods safe to eat? Yeah that’s why I eat ice creams. In food industry there are two processes used for freezing mechanical and cryogenic. In mechanical freezing cold air is passed over food items causing them to slowly cool down and freeze hmm while in cryogenic or flash freezing food items are either directly sprayed or immersed in refrigerants like liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide. Thus, freezing the food instantly frozen foods do have certain advantages. Firstly, nutritional loss is almost negligible. Secondly, while transporting and storing fresh food items harmful bacteria can grow and contaminate the food. However, this will not happen in case of frozen foods because bacteria don’t usually grow in low freezing temperatures. However, some frozen foods may contain stabilizers and trans fat. It is believed that these additives will either increase the risk or worsen certain pre-existing health conditions.

Is over-cooked food good for us? Obviously burnt toast is my favorite. Some overcooking or charring the food from outside is in trend because it adds a smoky flavor and enhances the taste. However, experts believe that overcooking can have negative health effects. Firstly, the longer you cook, that the more nutrient loss occurs. Secondly, overcooked food is hard to digest and metabolize. Thirdly, when the cooks starchy food at high temperatures for longer periods, the naturally occurring sugar and amino acids react to form harmful carcinogens like acrylamide. Whereas, overcooking of meat causes sugar amino acids and a substance called creatine to react producing carcinogens called heterocyclic amines. Lastly, while grilling, fat from the meat can drip onto the burning coal leading to the production of carcinogens called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Hence, it is recommended to cook food just until it gets a golden yellow color and not until it turns brown or black.

Are canned food safe? No, just pizzas are safe. Canning is basically a method in which food items are processed and then packed in airtight containers this helps preserve food for longer periods. However, there are some disadvantages of canned foods firstly canned foods can be high in sugar and salt so they can pose a risk for people with high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity etc. Secondly, most cans have a coating of bisphenol A to prevent corrosion. Studies suggest that bisphenol A can leak into the food and have negative effects on our hormones and reproductive system. Thirdly, the acids present in food can react with the metal cam and produce hydrogen gas creating bulges thus making food unsafe to eat. Lastly, improper canning process can lead to growth of dangerous bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. It produces a lethal toxin which if consumed can paralyze our muscles and cause death if left untreated.

Is expired food safe to eat? No problemo I’m as strong as Hulk. Usually we see three types of dates on food products sell by first bite and used by use buys what we call the expiry date. Consuming food past this date may prove to be harmful. Firstly, the nutritional value of the food will reduce. Secondly, as bacteria don’t usually grow at low temperatures many foods are frozen but if foods are kept at room temperature bacteria will develop in them. Now, if consumed they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, food poisoning etc. Thirdly, it is believed that when canned food expires, the acids present in food react with the metal can and produce hydrogen gas creating bulges in the can and thus making it unsafe to eat. So expiry date is definitely a good indicator but apart from that we should also rely on our senses of smell and sight to check the quality of the food.

Key processed foods vocabulary

experts have expressed caution

a detrimental effect on our bodies

nutritional contect

ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat products

to increase the risk or worsen certain pre-existing health conditions

negative health effects

to preserve food for longer periods

to pose a risk for people with high blood pressure

to reduce the nutritional value of the food

Will food in the future be healthier? Learn more about future food with a video lesson and a video lesson on healthy eating

Find out about healthy foods with Gwyneth Paltrow!