Macro partitioning
Highly processed foods (HPF) contribute to excess sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars, which are strongly associated with negative health outcomes including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Focus on reducing foods high in sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars, rather than avoiding all processed foods. Include nutrient-dense processed options like whole grain bread and yogurt in your diet, as they offer health benefits and are often necessary for practical, affordable, and accessible eating.
Canada’s dietary guidance (Health Canada 2019) is based on the most current and available evidence linking excess consumption of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars to negative health outcomes such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (Mozaffarian 2016). Major contributors of these nutrients of concern are highly processed foods (HPF) (MacDonald and Reitmeier 2017).
Why this rating
The paper cites multiple systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and observational studies (e.g., Hall et al. 2019, Nardocci et al. 2021) supporting the association.
Source
Guidance and perspectives on highly processed foods
Shirin Panahi et al. · Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism · 2022
DOI 10.1139/apnm-2022-0150
More from this paper
- In clinical settings such as hospitals and long-term care, highly processed foods (HPF) are necessary to prevent malnutrition, support recovery, and improve quality of life for residents with poor appetite, chewing, or swallowing difficulties.Good
- Avoiding all highly processed foods (HPF) can lead to unintended nutritional deficiencies, such as inadequate fiber and folic acid, because many healthy foods like whole grain bread and ready-to-eat cereals are classified as HPF.Good
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