Processed foods
Processed Foods
Processed foods (/prəˈsɛst fuːdz/) are foods that have been altered in some way during preparation. The term "processed food" includes both relatively unprocessed foods such as canned vegetables, as well as more heavily processed foods such as frozen meals and snack foods.
Etymology
The term "processed food" comes from the process of food processing, which involves the transformation of raw ingredients, by physical or chemical means, into food.
Definition
Processed foods are made by transforming raw ingredients, through physical or chemical means, into a form that can be easily prepared and served by the consumer or food service operator. This can involve a range of processes, including washing, chopping, pasteurizing, freezing, fermenting, packaging, and many others.
Types of Processed Foods
There are many different types of processed foods, including:
- Canned foods: Foods that have been preserved by sealing them in a can and heating them to kill or slow the growth of bacteria.
- Frozen foods: Foods that have been preserved by freezing them, which slows the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
- Ready-to-eat meals: Foods that have been pre-cooked and packaged, so they can be heated and served quickly.
- Snack foods: Foods that are designed to be eaten on the go, often with little or no preparation.
Health Implications
While some processed foods can be part of a healthy diet, many are high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium. Consuming too many of these types of processed foods can contribute to health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Related Terms
- Food processing: The transformation of raw ingredients into food, or of food into other forms.
- Preservation (food): The process of treating and handling food to stop or slow down food spoilage, loss of quality, edibility, or nutritional value.
- Additive: A substance added to something in small quantities, typically to improve or preserve it.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Processed foods
- Wikipedia's article - Processed foods
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