Ultra-processed foods are foods made from various industrial ingredients.

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Duration ultra-processed foods It’s been a long discussion in the field of nutritional science. However, recently, the term has come back into the limelight after Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) ordered not to give ultra-processed foods to babies.

This message was delivered by Jokowi during the virtual opening of the National Regional Leaders Coordination Meeting and Communication Forum for Regional Leaders across Indonesia on Tuesday (17/1/2023). In his statement, Jokowi mentioned examples of ultra-processed foods, namely cookies and instant porridge. In fact, many everyday food items fall into the category of ultra-processed foods.

Quote from the page Conversations, Wednesday (1/18/2023), nutritionist Richard Hoffman explained the definition of ultra-processed foods. He said ultra-processed foods are a mixture of various industrial ingredients (such as emulsifiers, thickeners and artificial flavors) that are made into food products through a series of factory processes.

Sugary drinks and a wide range of breakfast cereals, including ultra-processed foods. Likewise, innovative products such as burgers with the “vegetable-based” label, as they are usually made from protein isolate and other chemicals to enhance the taste of the product.

The lecturer in nutritional biochemistry at the University of Hertfordshire, UK, pointed out that in countries like the UK, US and Canada, ultra-processed foods, in the form of factory-processed foods are mass-produced and sold in packaged form. , represent 50% or more of the total calories consumed. Hoffman called it very disturbing.

Indeed, ultra-processed foods have been linked to a number of health problems, including an increased risk of obesity and various chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and dementia. Another issue that is in the limelight is that ultra-processed foods do not have an ultra-processed label on their packaging.

“The best way to identify ultra-processed foods is to look at the ingredients. Usually things like emulsifiers, thickeners, protein isolates and products that look like other processed foods are signs that it’s it’s ultra-processed foods,” says Hoffman.

Author The Mediterranean diet: health and science he points out that the aspect that makes ultra-processed foods risky is how they are made. The intense production process to produce ultra-processed foods destroys the natural structure of foods and removes many beneficial nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, minerals and chemical constituents.

Therefore, it is better to consume natural food in tip top shape. In fact, according to Hoffman, many people are aware that ultra-processed foods are harmful to their health, but reducing their intake of ultra-processed foods can be difficult.

“That’s because ultra-processed foods are designed to be incredibly tasty. Coupled with persuasive marketing strategies, this can make ultra-processed foods hard for some people to resist,” says Hoffman.