What characterizes highly processed foods?

Highly processed foods are characterized by being stripped of fiber and essential nutrients, and are often replaced with additives such as sugars, preservatives, and chemicals to enhance flavor and shelf life. This industrial processing removes much of the natural goodness found in whole foods, leading to products that may be appealing and convenient but lack nutritional value.

In contrast, whole grains and legumes are examples of unprocessed or minimally processed foods that retain their natural nutrients. Foods primarily made from fruits and vegetables typically encompass fresh or frozen options that are less processed, preserving their health benefits. Lastly, healthy fats and proteins are often found in whole food sources like nuts, seeds, avocados, and lean meats, which do not align with the characteristics of highly processed foods. Therefore, the correct understanding of highly processed foods hinges on their significant loss of nutritional content in favor of additives.