Tag: Minimally processed food

The consumer demand for convenience and health has fueled a significant increase in the market for minimally processed fruits and vegetables. In simple terms, what do you mean by minimal processing is the application of mild procedures to food that alter its original state as little as possible while ensuring safety and convenience.

Research consistently suggests that diets rich in whole, unprocessed foods are linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases, a fundamental truth that drives many towards natural eating. However, the term "unprocessed diet" is not a formal name but a descriptor for several distinct dietary philosophies.

According to the widely used NOVA food classification system, fresh fruits and vegetables are considered minimally processed foods because they are altered very little from their natural form. Understanding this category is key to navigating today’s complex food landscape and making healthier choices.

The US Department of Agriculture defines a processed food as one that has undergone any changes to its natural state, which can include washing, cutting, or freezing. Given this broad definition, is there any food that is not processed, and how can consumers tell the difference in a world dominated by packaged goods?

By definition, any food that has been altered from its natural state is processed, which technically includes tempeh. However, this classification doesn't tell the whole story, as there is a vast difference between minimally processed fermented foods and ultra-processed products. The key question is not just *if* tempeh is considered a processed food, but *how* it's processed and the nutritional implications of that process.

According to the internationally recognized NOVA food classification system, dried peas are considered a minimally processed food, retaining their natural nutritional integrity through simple drying. This places them in a fundamentally different category than complex, industrially formulated pea products found on store shelves.

Studies have shown that diets rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. This article will detail exactly what you can eat on a whole food diet to help you make informed choices for a healthier lifestyle.

In the United States, research suggests that over 50% of the average adult's diet comes from ultra-processed foods. With such a high prevalence, many wonder: is it okay to eat a little processed food? The answer is nuanced and depends on the level of processing and your overall dietary pattern.

Studies show that nearly 50% of the calories consumed in Western diets come from ultra-processed foods. Understanding what is not classed as processed food is the first step toward making healthier, more informed dietary choices, moving you towards a diet based on whole foods.

A food processing categorization system developed by researchers classifies most store-bought dried pastas as “minimally processed” because they are made from few ingredients and simply dried. Yet, for those seeking the purest option, knowing what is the least processed pasta depends on ingredients and production methods, which can elevate an already low-processed item.