We are more conscious than ever of the importance of taking care of our health, and one of the most meaningful decisions we can make is to shift our diet to whole, nutrition-rich foods. But when it comes to processed foods, the effects they have on our digestive system can be unexpectedly damaging. Let’s take a closer look at how processed foods can hurt our digestive health and how opting for whole foods instead can lead to better wellbeing.
1. A Diet of Processed Food: Evaluating Its Impact
Processed food is everywhere. We see it in the supermarkets, the drive-thrus, even on our desks at work. Most of us, if not all, have consumed it one time or another. But what impact does it have on our health in the long run?
- Nutritional Value – Processed food may lack many of the beneficial vitamins and minerals found in fresh fruits and vegetables. This can leave our bodies deficient in essential nutrients while increasing intake of unhealthy ingredients.
- Chemicals – Processed food is often loaded with synthetic preservatives and artificial colours. Many times, these can lead to undesirable reactions in the body, making you prone to irritation and sickness.
Some studies have shown that people who stick to a diet of mostly processed food have a higher chance of weight gain, along with increasing their risk for diseases such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Processed food items are notorious for their high fat, sodium, and sugar content, making them a poor choice in terms of health.
It is true that processed foods can be convenient and fit into our schedule in today’s busy world. However, relying on them as your main source of nourishment can have a serious impact on your overall wellbeing.
2. Nourishment or Inconvenience: The Grip of Processed Foods
Processed food has left its sticky imprint on our lives in ways that are both empowering and debilitating. We are at a tipping point where such foods pervade our lives and yet pose a potential threat to our health and well-being.
On the positive side, processed food can be an awfully convenient option. It is often shelf-stable, conveniently packaged, and relatively easy to prepare. Additionally, for those living in food deserts, processed food may be the most economical choice for meeting dietary needs.
On the flipside, an excess of processed foods can prove detrimental. All too often, processed foods are saturated in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy preservatives. Such nefarious additives can result in the following:
- Gastric Issues: Prolonged intake of processed foods can lead to stomach problems such as constipation, bloating, and more serious conditions.
- Health Complications: Consumption of processed food high in sugar and salt can contribute to diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Genetic Mutations: While research is ongoing, it is possible that excessive intake of processed food leads to gene mutations that can be passed down to future generations.
Processed food can either be the answer to our nourishments woes or the culprit of consequential, long-term health concerns. It is up to us to decide how to use and consume processed food to our benefit.
3. Whole Foods for a Superior Digestive Health
Choose a superfood for optimal digestive health – Whole Foods! Consisting of natural foods, a whole foods diet can provide your digestive system with the nutrients it needs to function at its best. With a variety of nutrient-rich items, whole foods offer numerous digestive benefits that can help you feel your best.
Organic Fruits and Vegetables
Organic fruits and vegetables are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Both fruits and vegetables contain dietary fiber, which not only helps to promote normal digestive functioning but can also reduce your risk for developing diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s. Eating organic produce is even more beneficial, as it contains fewer trace amounts of potentially harmful chemicals.
Legumes and Whole Grains
Legumes and whole grains are an excellent source of dietary fiber and essential minerals. They provide the body with sustained energy, helping to keep you fuller for longer. Additionally, whole grains are an excellent source of B vitamins, which help aid in digestion. Some of the best options include quinoa, amaranth, and wild rice.
Healthy Fats
- Walnuts
- Flaxseed
- Hemp seeds
- Chia seeds
Although high-fat foods can upset your stomach, healthy fats are beneficial for your digestive health. Healthy fats can help your body better absorb nutrients as well as increase your feeling of fullness. Healthy fats are found in avocados, coconut oil, extra-virgin olive oil, and certain nuts and seeds such as:
4. Turning Over a New Leaf: Why Whole Foods Make a Difference
For those of us who are looking to start eating healthier without sacrificing taste, it’s time to turn over a new leaf. Whole Foods offer a wide variety of fresh, unprocessed ingredients that can be used to create delicious and healthy dishes. Here are some of the benefits that make them the perfect choice:
- Quality: Whole Foods sources its ingredients from local farms. This means that the produce is fresh and full of nutrients, unlike most store-bought meals that may be unhealthy and highly processed.
- Price: Shopping at Whole Foods can often be cheaper than buying processed foods. Investing in healthier ingredients is more affordable in the long run, as it can reduce health costs down the line.
- Versatility: Whole Foods ingredients are easy to incorporate into any meal, from salads and sandwiches to hearty soups and veggie bowls. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore, you’ll find something to love!
By making the switch to Whole Foods, you can look forward to greater variety and better results, waist-line & wallet included – making it the perfect time to turn over a new leaf.
5. Unprocessed and In Balance: Nourishment for Optimal Digestion
When faced with difficult digestion, a great way to re-balance is to take a look at our dietary habits. Digesting unprocessed, whole foods helps keep the body nourished and digestion in check. Eating in balance with an emphasis on whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits is the best way to ensure benefits of digestion and provide nourishment.
- Avoid foods high in sugar, trans-fats, and chemical additives.
- Opt for organic whenever possible to limit harmful toxins.
- Introduce fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir for an added punch of probiotics.
Including a lot of fiber is important as it keeps our digestion working to its fullest potential. Whereas processed food items are scarce in fiber and simply move through the digestive process quickly, without any major effect on the body. Including more unprocessed items and balancing them with an appropriate amount of fiber gives the digestive system the support it needs.
Replacing processed snacks and food items with unprocessed and properly balanced meals helps to re-establish a healthy connection with the digestive system and to restore vital nutrients to the body. Optimal digestion ensures that our bodies are able to absorb the nutrients found in foods and function at its highest potential.
By making the switch to whole foods, not only will you be doing something good for your body, but you will also be helping to ensure the health of both yourself and the planet. Eating whole foods is just one way to make a positive impact on your digestive health – so what are you waiting for? Take your first steps towards better digestive health today.
