What to look for when buying packaged foods
Many of us indulge in packaged foods without considering the health risks they impose. Furthermore, the habit of overlooking the ingredient lists and quantity details on packaging persists among many consumers. To delve deeper into this issue, NewsBytes got in touch with Shweta Dhyani, a Delhi-based Ayurvedic diet and nutrition coach, aiming to underscore the importance of informed food choices.
Comprehend food labels before purchase
Although not all packaged foods are inherently unhealthy, some can have detrimental effects on health. They may contribute to lifestyle disorders, elevate the risk of heart disease and hypertension, and promote weight gain. Therefore, reading and understanding food labels before purchase is crucial.
Hidden ingredients inside packaged foods
"I often encounter clients who struggle to navigate the modern food landscape. One of the biggest concerns is the deceptive practices employed by food brands on product labels," says Dhyani. For instance, unhealthy fats often hide under the generic term "vegetable oil." "This obfuscation can lead us, unknowingly, to consume ingredients that are detrimental to our health and well-being," she says.
Long-term impact
"From an Ayurvedic perspective, these hidden ingredients can wreak havoc on our doshas, which are the three bioenergies that govern our physical and mental functions," Dhyani explains. For instance, refined sugars can aggravate kapha dosha, leading to weight gain, and sluggishness. Meanwhile, the excessive use of refined oils can also disrupt our digestion and metabolism, leading to the accumulation of toxins within the body.
Unhealthy ingredients to watch out for
Dhyani suggests familiarizing yourself with common aliases for sugar and unhealthy fats. "Look out for terms like sucrose, maltose, evaporated cane juice, dextrose, and high-fructose corn syrup, all of which indicate added sugar," she says. "Similarly, be wary of terms like hydrogenated oil, partially hydrogenated oil, and vegetable oil, which are often code words for refined oils," Dhyani adds.
Other key points
Opt for whole or unprocessed foods over packaged/processed products. "This way, you can be sure you're consuming ingredients in their natural form, free from hidden additives/preservatives," Dhyani says. Additionally, don't solely focus on the total sugar or fat content on the label. Instead, pay careful attention to the "per serving" information, which provides a more precise insight into your intake in a typical portion.
What to avoid
Artificial sweeteners including aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and saccharin are known to have adverse effects on gut health and may contribute to metabolic imbalances. Preservatives like sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and BHA/BHT often used to extend shelf life, can be toxic to the body. "Monosodium Glutamate as a flavor enhancer can trigger headaches, nausea, and other allergy-like symptoms in some individuals," warns Dhyani.
