Avoid ultra-processed foods Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are foods containing ingredients that are significantly modified from their original form. They often contain additives like added sugar, highly refined oil, salt, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors as well (10Trusted Source). Examples include: snack cakes fast food frozen meals packaged cookies chips UPFs are highly palatable, meaning they are easily overeaten and activate reward-related regions in the brain, which can lead to excess calorie consumption and weight gain. Studies show that diets high in ultra-processed food can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions (11Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source, 14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source). In addition to low quality ingredients like refined oils, added sugar, and refined grains, they’re usually low in fibre, protein, and micronutrients. Thus, they provide mostly empty calories. #ProcessedFoodRisk #UnhealthyLife #Addiction