Inside that 'healthy' label are empty calories

Food products like low-fat yogurts and energy bars that claim to be 'healthy' are ultra-processed. Avoid them if better health is your goal

- Shrenik Avlani

My brother has become more health-conscious of late. Rightfully so since he is 42 now. Apart from gymming under the eagle eyes of a personal trainer, he is trying to eat healthier. His fridge is full of tubs of flavored protein yogurt and healthy energy bars while a jar of granola sits in the kitchen cabinet. He is one among the bulging numbers of Indian consumers—primarily from the urban affluent class and rural elites—who are splurging on Western snacks and frozen foods driven by aspirations, a desire for premium experiences and convenience, according to data from global consumer insights company, Worldpanel by Numerator.

While the majority are turning to these food products nurturing aspirations of weight loss and better health, the truth is that they are doing themselves more harm than good. For, the supposedly healthy and tasty yogurts, breakfast cereal and energy bars fall under the category of ultra-processed foods, which multiple observational studies have shown as being harmful to us. While observational studies don't prove that ultra-processed foods directly cause weight gain, a new study published in the journal Nature Medicine in early August shows that people can lose more weight by eliminating ultra-processed foods from their diets. Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations combining extracts of original foods with additives and industrial ingredients. Examples include breakfast cereals, sweets, and mass-produced bread.

CONVENIENCE AT A PRICE