Question

Ultra processed food will be the downfall of the American health industry

Answer 1

This claim is backed by a highly credible source, the Harvard Medical School, which helps prove this claim that ultra-processed foods are harmful to the American health industry. While going through the article, I looked into the study that was being done on ultra-processed foods and was brought to a journal article published in The National Library of Medicine (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38776524/). The information given in both articles gives evidence that ultra-processed foods harm cognitive development and increase the risk of stroke and impairment. Both articles stick to the same evidence, which strengthen this claim on ultra-processed foods.

Answer 2

This claim is absolutely true. Not only is this a blog written by a prominent university professor, there are official data linked in this article that makes the claim even more credible. There are also other well researched sources like this podcast about this issue that I believe is not talked about enough. The U.S. has higher consumption of ultra-processed foods (70% for kids), compared to countries like France and Japan. In the podcast, they talk about how ultra-processed foods are described as "addiction instruments" created by the cigarette industry. Ultimately, the weaponization of food in the US is very serious and not many people are aware of the food they are consuming. The food created was not aimed at health but at maximizing addiction and profitability.

Comments

I thought your comment was sufficient and had great sources to back it up. Using a podcast and actual statistics from other sources proved that other sources out there exist surrounding this issue, which to me makes this issue prominent and important. It is true that portion sizes and foods are much different in the US than in other countries like italy, france and japan, where they do not overfeed their guests which tends to happen in the US quite often.

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Love that you added a bit more information with other examples from different sources. I also completely agree with this claim and even more now seeing multiple people take interest in it.

Answer 3

• This is a true claim. This article points out the dangers of ultra processed foods (UPFs), connecting them to memory issues and a higher chance of strokes. It discusses how UPFs, which are loaded with sugar and various additives, can negatively affect brain function and gut health. I support the article's suggestion to cut back on UPF consumption and prioritize whole, nutrient rich foods. Opting for healthier choices can contribute to better brain health and overall wellness. Also, I read this articale: https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/28/health/ultraprocessed-food-health-risks-study-wellness/index.html and it shows that ultra processed foods linked to heart disease, diabetes, mental disorders and early death.

Comments

After reading your claim and looking into the article you included, I agree that the link you included was another credible source, and I was able to find the same information in this article. There have been lots of investigations on ultra-processed foods and they are harmful to us, so hopefully changes will be made to our food soon.

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Your claim was convincing and provided an outside source in order to back up the first source. I am wondering why you didn't provide a specific example from this article in your actual response, that might have made your comment even stronger. You included it at the end which is fine though. You prove that there have been numerous studies and otehr sources on this growing issue.

Answer 4

I absolutely agree with this claim. I did a lot of work last term regarding processed foods and just how harmful they are for the body. This article is scholarly, it is from Harvard Medical School itself, and it is a recorded study with real results saying eating processed foods contributes to cognitive impairments and strokes. When I was researching for my WR 122 class, I learned a lot about underprivileged families and especially kids, and the impact on processed foods on their health and well being. According to the National Library of Medicine, one of the sources I used in my final paper,​​ “consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in childhood may increase the BMI/BMI z-score, body fat percentage, or likelihood of being overweight” (NIH 2023). Processed foods have zero real nutrients to sustain us, which is why we are seeing such high spikes in cardiovascular disease, obesity, as well as diabetes.   This article from Harvard health has data to support its reasonings, it has a clear title as well as an author, and is very research driven which leads me to believe it is scholarly and a well-trusted source.