The NOVA food classification system, developed in Brazil, categorizes foods based on their processing level and warns against ultraprocessed options. However, confusion arises as all breakfast cereals are deemed ultraprocessed, sparking debate among nutrition experts. Registered dietician Courtney Pelitera highlights that the NOVA classification wasn't intended to assess food healthiness. Additionally, RD Kelly Toups LeBlanc criticizes the categorization of nutrient-rich whole grain cereals alongside less nutritious options. This issues hints at the need for a nuanced understanding of food processing and its nutritional implications, especially regarding vulnerable populations relying on nutritious foods.
Processing simply refers to all physical, biological and chemical methods used during the food manufacturing process, including the use of additives. This classification system was never meant to determine the 'healthiness of food' as has become popular on social media channels.
Some ultra-processed foods, like whole grain breakfast cereals, contain important food groups recommended in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Other ultra-processed foods, like candy bars and soft drinks, do not.
For example, refined grains like all-purpose flour, degermed cornmeal, and white rice, which have been processed to have their healthful bran and germ removed, are somehow considered minimally processed, putting them in the same category as fresh broccoli - while packaged 100% whole grain breads and whole grain breakfast cereals are considered ultra-processed.
whole grain cereals can be an important part of nutrition assistance programs, providing valuable nutrition to vulnerable populations.
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