India's Shift Towards Processed Food: Implications and Concerns

India has noticed a paradigm shift in its dietary habits in the last few years. The convenience and accessibility of processed foods gradually replaced home-cooked meals made from fresh ingredients. Thanks to the changing lifestyle and growing demand for convenience, processed food has secured its place in almost every kitchen. Well, processed foods are super convenient, have a long shelf life, and are usually cheaper. But everything that looks good may not be good for you. Let's delve into a recent study to understand its implications and challenges.

The Rise Of Processed Food In India

Processed foods refer to any food from canned vegetables to packaged snacks and ready-to-eat meals that's changed from its natural state during preparation. These food items have gained immense popularity for their convenience, longer shelf life, and affordability. While its benefits are undeniable, increasing concerns regarding its mental health impact exist.

Recent studies published in a leading newspaper state that the frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods may lead to declining mental health.

A Study on Ultra-Processed Foods - What does the study say?

A global study by US-based nonprofit Sapiens Labs on 30,000 individuals from India revealed that people who frequently eat ultra-processed foods several times a day were nearly three times more likely to struggle with mental issues than those who rarely or never consumed these foods.

According to recent findings of the WHO (World Health Organization), India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing markets for ultra-processed foods. If we believe the data, this sector experienced a notable shift, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 13.37% in retail sales from 2011 to 2021. This is not it; the consumption of UPF or Ultra Processed Foods is projected to grow faster than India's GDP growth & rise in consumption of essential food items.

The Alarming Health Risks of Ultra-Processed Foods

As per the National Institute Of Health, the frequent use of ultra-processed food could also be linked to a high risk of chronic non-communicable diseases and increased mortality risk. Besides being harsh on your mental health, the overconsumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) may also raise the risk of Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, Obesity, Depression, and Type 2 Diabetes.

The study discovered that as people consumed more UPFs, their mental health tended to decline. Not just this, the frequent consumption of UPFs may also worsen the symptoms, like sadness, distress, and appetite regulation of people with depression. And the decrease in mental well-being was not related to how often people exercised. So, it is very clear that exercise alone can make no difference, and what we eat also matters for our mental health.

The study shows a clear connection between eating many processed foods and having mental health issues. While this study says processed foods can harm our mental health, we need to find out how these foods affect our brains. It calls for further research to understand their impact and take action accordingly.

Negative Impacts of Processed Food on Health:

• Increased Risk Of Chronic Disease: No matter how palatable these processed foods are, their daily and frequent consumption contributes to a higher risk of certain medical conditions.
• Packed With Plenty of Additives & Preservatives: As the name says, these are not natural and are altered at some stage using additives, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives that may have adverse effects on health and have been linked with hyperactivity in children.
• Poor Nutrition: Processed Foods contain higher sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats that might make them a treat for your taste buds but can harm your health. It often lacks essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber and can lead to nutrient deficiencies and overall health problems.

So, what should one do?

If you want to live healthy and maintain your mental health, shift your focus from consuming ultra-processed food to a balanced diet.

Mental Health is a Universal Human Right

Good mental health is a basic human right everyone should have, no matter who they are or where they live. Despite that, 1 in 8 people worldwide has mental health problems. It means being safe from things that can harm your mental health, getting good care when needed, and being able to live freely and be part of your community. World Mental Health Day is observed to raise awareness about it every year. This year's theme is "Mental Health is a Universal Human Right." It's all about raising awareness and doing things to support and safeguard mental health as something that belongs to every human. Mental problems are not just restricted to the mind but can take a toll on your physical health and overall life; therefore, it's time to take action against it.

World Mental Health Day - The Call for Balance

Every year, October 10th is observed as World Mental Health Day to raise awareness about mental health issues, promote open discussions, and advocate for better mental health care and support systems. The day is an opportunity for us all to take mental health as seriously as we take other illnesses, break the stigma surrounding mental health, and encourage more and more people to seek help when needed. Since a global study conducted by Sapiens Labs emphasizes a significant connection between frequent UPF consumption and mental health problems, it is imperative to make conscious dietary choices to support brain health. Understanding the significance of nutrition in mental wellness is a powerful step toward a healthier, happier life. On this World Mental Health Day, let's embark on a journey of self-care and awareness and embrace a holistic approach to well-being, prioritizing our physical and mental health.

Conclusion:

While processed food brings convenience and affordability, it raises concerns about mental health and overall well-being. So, it is essential to balance convenience and nutrition and make health-friendly dietary choices.