The True Strength of Food Lies in Its Realness: Why Processed Foods are Harmful
I’ve seen how people eat and how the food system works, and one thing is clear: the more we process food, the worse it becomes for our bodies. Processed foods, loaded with chemicals, artificial flavors, and bad oils, have been making us sick for decades. But it’s not just the junk in the food – it’s how they manufacture it that takes the life out of what should be nutritious, real food.
The Hidden Danger of Seed Oils in Our Food
Have you ever wondered why some oils are so bad for you? It’s not just that they come from seeds – it’s how they’re processed. These oils are often treated with high heat and chemicals to extract them from their seeds, which makes them oxidize and go rancid. The process destroys any nutritional value they had in the first place, leaving behind just empty calories. These oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which, when consumed in excess, contribute to inflammation in the body.
What's worse is that manufacturers want their products to last forever on the shelf. So, they strip out nutrients that would naturally spoil the food. The result? Food that never goes bad but is completely stripped of its ability to nourish us. This is why, despite eating more and more, many of us remain undernourished, craving essential vitamins and minerals that are no longer present.
Fast Food: A Modern-Day Trap
I’ve spent time experimenting with food, and I can tell you that fast food is one of the biggest offenders. People look at a fast food meal and think, "Hey, there’s protein from the burger and some veggies from the salad." But that’s just the surface. What’s really hidden inside is a large amount of processed carbohydrates, sugars, and unhealthy fats. When you break it down, a fast food meal with 2500 calories may give you an insane amount of sugar (over 150 grams), way more than your body should handle in a day.
The problem is that this is the type of food most people consume regularly, thinking it’s fine because it seems “real.” In reality, it’s a processed disaster that contributes to metabolic diseases like insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. It’s not that we’re eating too much – it’s that the body doesn’t know how to process food that isn’t real anymore.
The Seed Oils Crisis: Why Olive Oil is the Better Choice
When I get asked about seed oils versus something like extra virgin olive oil, I always make it clear that it’s not about the source – it’s about the process. Seed oils like soybean, canola, and corn oil are all made through harsh processing that damages the oil. These oils are loaded with omega-6 fatty acids, which can be harmful when consumed in excess, and they’re often treated with chemicals to remove impurities, leaving you with a bland, lifeless product.
On the other hand, extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil are minimally processed. They’re made with cold pressing, which keeps the natural flavors and nutrients intact. These oils are packed with healthy fats that your body can actually use without causing inflammation.
Fried Foods: Double Trouble with Seed Oils
Now let’s talk about fried foods. It’s not just the fact that they’re fried, it’s about the oil used for frying. Most fast food restaurants use the worst oils you can imagine, like hydrogenated oils that break down and become rancid when reused. This oxidative stress adds to the damage done to our bodies. Even though fried food tastes great, it comes with a hidden cost to your health. If you’re going to fry something, opt for a healthy, stable fat like lard, tallow, or coconut oil.
Margarine: A "Butter" You Should Avoid
Margarine used to be the go-to substitute for butter, but it’s been found to cause more harm than good. Most margarine is made from processed oils like soybean or corn oil, and to make them spreadable, they must go through a hydrogenation process. This turns the oils into trans fats, which are some of the most harmful substances you can put in your body. Trans fats interfere with your body’s energy production at a cellular level, especially by damaging your mitochondria – the energy powerhouses in your cells.
Though some margarine brands now advertise "healthier" versions, you still have to be cautious. These oils are still processed, and the health risks are the same. Look for butter alternatives that use cold-pressed oils and avoid the ones that are highly processed.
Donuts: A Sugar, Starch, and Oil Bomb
Donuts are a perfect example of everything wrong with modern food. They’re packed with sugar, starch, and gluten, all of which are inflammatory for your body. Add to that the fact that they’re fried in bad oils, and you have a complete disaster for your health. And it’s not just donuts; many other pastries and sweets follow the same recipe for disaster. Donuts are a major contributor to the growing problem of metabolic diseases because they combine sugar, bad fats, and refined flour, all of which spike your blood sugar and add unnecessary stress on your body.
Why We Need to Change What We Eat
So, what’s the takeaway from all this? It’s simple. We need to stop eating foods that are highly processed, loaded with sugars, bad fats, and chemicals. It’s time to return to real, nourishing food that supports our bodies. If we can make small changes – like choosing whole, minimally processed oils, cutting back on fast food, and avoiding sugary snacks like donuts – we can start reversing the damage done by the modern food system.
The true strength of our bodies lies in the food we eat. Let’s nourish ourselves with the right foods, the ones that give us the vitamins, minerals, and fats we need. Your health isn’t a game of survival of the fittest – it’s about choosing the right foods for real strength and vitality.
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References
- Main source - Dr Sten Ekberg - Find him on YouTube
- (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health).
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," Seed Oils and Omega-6: The Risks.
- "Journal of the American College of Cardiology," Trans Fat: The Heart Disease Link.
- “The Journal of Clinical Investigation,” Impact of Refined Carbohydrates and Sugar on Metabolic Disease.
- “European Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” The Effects of Cold-Pressed vs. Processed Oils.
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