" Regarding processed foods and their health hazards, Americans are perplexed."

"Regarding processed foods and their health hazards, Americans are perplexed."

According to a recent study, Americans are unsure of the true definition of "processed food" and which varieties are harmful to their health. Major discrepancies between science and public opinion were discovered by researchers, underscoring the need for more thorough instruction.

Since ultra-processed foods have been linked to diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and obesity, the public health message has been to "eat less processed food!" Despite its simplicity, the message makes the assumption that everyone is aware of processed foods and their link to health.

A new study by researchers from the George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences and the non-profit Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in Washington (PCRM) has examined how everyday Americans define “processed foods” and whether they believe these foods are unhealthy or linked to diseases like type 2 diabetes.

“It is important that a federal definition of ultra-processed foods reflect scientific evidence and avoid aggravating public confusion,” said lead author Dr. Neal Barnard, an adjunct professor of medicine at GW and the president of the PCRM. “Science shows that ultra-processed foods differ greatly: Certain ones are associated with health problems, while others are associated with reduced risk.”

Processed food health risks Using an online survey, the researchers polled 2,174 Americans between the ages of 18 and 92. The participants were 66% non-Hispanic White, 17% non-Hispanic Black, 10% Hispanic, and 53% female. The following questions were posed in the survey: 1. Which foods are processed, in your opinion? 2. Do you think processed foods in general are bad for you? 3. In your opinion, which foods raise the risk of type 2 diabetes?

Depending on the type of food, "ultra-processed" foods can either lower or raise the risk of diabetes, according to Barnard. "Research indicates that eating processed meat is linked to diabetes and cardiovascular disease, rather than eating ultra-processed plant-based foods like breakfast cereals, which are linked to a lower risk of these conditions."