Food processing is just one of those parts of our society that I know about but don’t think about. Really, do I want to know that beaver anal glands (castoreum) is in my vanilla ice cream?
No, all I care about is that because of processed foods, I have more choice and convenience. Think of frozen or canned vegetables. Of course their fresh counterparts taste better, but I don’t have time to go grocery shopping every day, and I also appreciate being able to buy any vegetable year-round instead of in-season only.
The Huffington Post had a story earlier this year titled “Top 10 Reasons to Avoid Processed Foods” but doesn’t make a compelling argument. For example, I’m glad meat is tested for stray wires (#6). And guess what? Processed foods actually can reduce food allergens (#2).
If you’re so against processed foods, just think about what you would eat for breakfast: Cereal? Nope. Toast? Nope. Bacon? Nope. Coffee? Nope. I could go on and on.
So bring on those additives and preservatives! And if I keep damaging my brain cells for learning and memory (#4), then I’ll … um … what were we talking about again?
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