Is that carb ultra-processed? Here's a test even a kid can do

"Ultra-processed foods are industrially manufactured products that contain ingredients rarely found in your kitchen, such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colorings, natural flavors and emulsifiers. Numerous studies have shown that these foods increase the risk of a host of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, depression, and obesity. "When people ask me about ultra-processed foods, they're often most confused about grains, carbohydrates, and starches," says Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, who leads the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University."

"1. The 10 to 1 test "A food should have at least one gram of fiber for every 10 grams of carbohydrate," Mozaffarian says. For example, if you're looking to buy a granola bar, examine the nutrient label. If there are 30 grams of total carbohydrate in the bar, then there should be at least three grams of fiber in it, too."

The U.S. government is urging people to avoid highly processed foods because they drive diet-related diseases. Many consumers want to cut ultra-processed foods but struggle to identify them, and advertising can mislead consumers into thinking processed products are minimally processed. Ultra-processed products often contain preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colorings, natural flavors and emulsifiers. These foods are linked with higher risks of diabetes, heart disease, depression and obesity. Grains, carbohydrates and starches—such as breads, crackers, pretzels, veggie straws, pastas and puffed rice—are common sources of confusion. A practical guidance is the 10-to-1 fiber-to-carbohydrate test to select healthier grain products, plus a complementary water test.

Read at www.npr.org