Why is food processing considered harmful to health?

Food processing is often deemed harmful to health primarily because it can remove essential nutrients, including phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are compounds found in plants that have beneficial effects on health, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. During processing, techniques such as refining, bleaching, and high heat can strip away these valuable nutrients, diminishing the overall nutritional profile of the food.

Furthermore, processed foods may often contain additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats or sugars that contrast with the natural composition of whole foods, further contributing to negative health outcomes. The loss of nutrients is particularly concerning as it can lead to deficiencies and imbalance in the diet, which can impact overall health and well-being.

On the other hand, while the other choices discuss aspects of food processing, they do not highlight the detrimental impact relevant to health. For instance, food processing may lower costs or enhance flavor, but these benefits do not outweigh the potential nutrient loss and negative health implications.