The Problem with the Processed

“If it came from a plant, eat it. If it was made in a plant, don’t.” – Michael Pollan

From a health standpoint, great and valid debates may rage concerning many types of diets including: vegan, vegetarian, paleo, raw, omni, etc. Yet, all of them would agree that limiting processed foods are an extremely huge key to a healthy lifestyle. Whether canned, boxed, refrigerated, or dried, food processing changes the natural components of the foods which make it less beneficial to the body. Plus, the amount and types of chemicals used in the refining process puts the body’s systems under incredible strain.

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There are chemicals to preserve color, enhance flavor, maintain “freshness”, control shelf life and more. Yes, these chemicals may be “approved” but our bodies were not designed for this continual barrage of foreign material. Our governing agencies may be rightly considering how much of a substance “people would likely consume” but can you regulate how much an individual actually eats? These chemicals, whether by immediate or cumulative effect, may cause allergic reactions, diarrhea, and migraines among other illnesses. Also they may be at the root of certain types of cancers and degenerative diseases (links to various studies coming soon). 

The popularity of the food products is fully understandable in that they provide tasty, quick, and inexpensive solutions to busy lives, but the bottom line is this: You regulate you. We can make huge strides in our own health by limiting processed foods and eating more whole foods that don’t contain added chemicals such as flavorings, preservatives and other ingredients. Now, this is not to be taken in strict legality. If you want to have a Twinkie, enjoy it and don’t beat yourself up afterwards. Our bodies are designed to handle a certain level of toxicity. In fact, regardless of our health practices, everyone deals with toxins just because we live in a toxic world. Yet, the goal is to look to lift your lifestyle and limit those liberties.



You may also want to see:

Faith Declaration of Health and Wellness 
in the Areas of Nutrition and Eating Habits by Yashalife PDF