When it comes to nutrition, “processed” doesn’t always mean “bad.” Nearly everything we eat has been processed somehow — washing, freezing, or chopping counts too. The real problem begins with ultra-processed foods — the kind built in factories, not kitchens.
Here’s the simplest filter:
- If you could make it at home, it’s processed.
- If you’d need a chemistry lab, it’s ultra-processed.
Think corn on the cob versus a corn chip, a steak versus a hot dog, or an orange versus orange juice. Each step of industrial processing strips away nutrients, adds synthetic flavors, and leaves you with “Frankenfoods” designed for shelf life — not your life.
The NOVA classification system breaks it down:
1️⃣ Group 1: Whole foods — fruits, vegetables, beans, eggs, nuts, seeds.
2️⃣ Group 2: Culinary ingredients — olive oil, salt, honey, butter.
3️⃣ Group 3: Processed foods — cheese, bread, bottled veggies.
4️⃣ Group 4: Ultra-processed — sodas, chips, candy, frozen pizza, fast food.
Remember: it’s not about perfection. It’s about direction. Every shift toward Group 1 foods builds stronger energy, immunity, and long-term protection.
So next time you’re grocery shopping or grabbing lunch, ask yourself:
👉 Does this build my health or rob it?
Your body deserves real fuel — not lab fuel.
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📘 Based on The Body User Manual by Dr. David Quartell
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