Every day, millions of people start their morning with ready-made cereals, snack on bars, and have dinner with convenience foods. Ultra-processed products have quietly taken over diets, but the consequences of this choice are becoming increasingly obvious to specialists. Biochemist and eating disorder psychologist Anna Divinskaya explained the dangers of such food.
"From a biochemical perspective, ultra-processed food triggers a cascade of undesirable reactions. The high content of fast carbohydrates and trans fats provokes sharp spikes in blood glucose, which gradually leads to insulin resistance. Artificial additives create an additional burden on the liver, which has to work even harder in detoxification mode," said the expert.
Particularly concerning is the impact of such food on the gut microbiome. Emulsifiers and preservatives literally destroy beneficial microflora, disrupting the integrity of the intestinal barrier. This leads to chronic inflammation, which is linked to metabolic syndrome, depression, and autoimmune diseases.
"From a dietary behavior standpoint, there is a pattern: ultra-processed products create an addiction comparable to that of drugs. The combination of sugar, salt, fats, and flavor enhancers affects the brain's dopamine receptors, creating a feeling of pleasure that one wants to repeat over and over again," noted the specialist.
A person loses sensitivity to satiety signals. The brain stops responding adequately to natural food: it seems bland and tasteless. A vicious cycle is formed: emotional discomfort is soothed with processed food, which exacerbates inflammation and worsens the psycho-emotional state.
"Regular consumption of such food correlates with obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer. The impact of ultra-processed food on a growing body is particularly alarming. A child's brain is in a stage of active development, and nutritional disturbances directly reflect on cognitive functions, behavior, and academic performance. The formation of taste preferences at an early age determines eating habits for a lifetime," emphasized Divinskaya.
She added that many modern teenagers have developed serious metabolic disorders and eating disorders over the years of consuming convenience foods. Restoring healthy relationships with food now requires long-term comprehensive therapy.
"It is not necessary to completely eliminate processed products, but it is important to approach their selection consciously. Read the ingredients: the shorter the list and the more recognizable components, the better. Cook simple dishes from whole foods at least a few times a week. Start small: replace one processed product with a natural alternative. Instead of store-bought yogurt with additives, choose plain yogurt and add fresh fruits. Replace ready-made sauces with homemade ones made from simple ingredients. Gradually, you will notice how your taste sensations and well-being change," concluded the biochemist.
