According to the Latest study, India is among the three countries that have the highest number of diabetics. In fact, there has been such a rapid increase in Type II diabetes worldwide that the WHO has picked ‘Beat Diabetes’ as the theme for World Health Day 2016. Type II diabetes is more common and the main causes are hereditary factors like genes, sedentary lifestyles, lack of regular exercise, obesity and intake of large amounts of processed foods and sugary drinks. People are quick to point out that while our genes have not changed, lifestyle and foods we consume have changed and that is why diabetes has become endemic.
Fats, sugar, and salt are added to processed foods to improve flavor and to act as preservatives. If large amounts of processed foods are consumed it means you will be taking in too much sugars, fats, and salts which has an adverse effect on the health. Such foods can lead to problems like high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, ulcers, stomach cancer, obesity, and diabetes. The FSSAI’s ‘Guidelines for making available wholesome, nutritious, safe and hygienic Food to School Children’ is a step in the right direction because children are becoming habituated to consuming foods high in fats, sugar, and salt which is leading to obesity and diabetes even in young children.
There is no doubt processed foods provide a number of benefits like alleviating the shortage of foods. Since they ensure deactivation of microorganisms in raw fruits and vegetables and so chances of acquiring foodborne illnesses are reduced. Processed foods have the longer shelf life and can be transported easily so a large variety of foods can be made worldwide. Processing can improve the nutritional value of foods by adding extra nutrients and vitamins and fortifying foods which can benefit populations according to their needs. Improvement in processing techniques like Nanotechnology can help to preserve nutrients and fortify processed foods and they can even be modified to remove fats and sugar content from processed foods. Besides this processed foods are popular because they are cheaper and more convenient as they are ready to eat within minutes.
Why processed foods are not good for diabetics
Fibre, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals are all essential for prevention of Type II diabetes but many processed foods do not contain them. When grains are milled, processed or refined the vital nutrients found in the fiber (germ and bran) are removed. Since fiber is removed it affects the glycaemic index of the food so the foods digest quickly and this affects the blood sugar levels. Besides refined flours, processed foods contain hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils which contribute to type II diabetes, as they decrease the response of the cell to insulin. Human cells are made of healthy essential fatty acids and when these cells are replaced by fatty cells in hydrogenated vegetable oils the body uses the unhealthy fatty acids to repair and maintain cells. Processed foods have an abundance of refined grains, artificially altered fats and oils, and foods and beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup is metabolized by the liver and is stored as fat leading to obesity and diabetes.
Processing alters natural foods
One of the methods used for processing foods is heating and if fresh vegetables and fruits are heated for canning it leads to loss of Vitamin C in the canned fruit. In some foods like bread, pasta and ready – to – eat foods nutrients are often removed to improve taste, appearance and shelf life so these foods contain more empty calories. Most flavoring, sweeteners, stabilizers, preservatives, and texture enhancing agents added to foods have no nutritional value but could be health hazards. Cheap hydrogenated oils are unhealthy as compared to naturally saturated fats or cold-pressed oils but the consumers are not aware of this. Food-processing can damage the outer layers of grains and the chemical composition of starches which affects their glycaemic index.
The responsibility of the food industry
One of the best things that the food industry can do is to continue with their research so that consumers can be provided with foods that contain high fiber and nutrients content so that the glycaemic index can be balanced out. Food manufacturers that supply foods that have higher calories, fats, sugar and salt and low nutrition levels must ensure that they are labeling foods correctly so consumers can make healthier food choices. The food industry must market their products with responsible advertising that does not mislead and must not target children, especially if foods manufactured by them lead to health hazards. In fact, the food industry must seriously think of cutting back on sugary drinks and products that lead to obesity by offering healthier choices.
Layam Anitha says
How much control by FSSAI authorities have on Food industry in Indian scenario?
How many food inspectors are there to check the quality of food in petty shops in India.
Why Indian government is not initiating the university industry partnership as in other countries.
Students are the stakeholders where we can introduce earn while you learn and ask them to work for the community and give them the licence to check the foods with supervision of faculty.
In India the food manufacturers are towards their profits except some MNC who maintain their quality but expensive. Who are working for poor.
I have lot many questions. But I hope I will get the answers to my questions.