In this blog, we’re going to answer some commonly asked questions about processed foods, as well as explain the effects they can have on the body. With the recent health kick, more and more people are becoming aware of what they are eating and the potentially harmful ingredients large companies have been adding to their products – which is why we wanted to talk about it!

What are processed foods?

Processed foods are anything that has been chemically altered (whether that’s to change the flavor or to make the food last longer). While people now have a misconception that ALL processed foods are bad, that’s not necessarily true. Some are healthy – like whole grains, tofu, Greek yogurt, and frozen vegetables.

What do they do to the body?

Because processed foods normally have a much higher sugar and carbohydrate content, and also contain high-fructose corn syrup and artificial ingredients, the body reacts negatively. With the overload of sugar, your metabolism is effected and you’re taking in empty calories. While carbohydrates can be good for the body and can be broken down easily, the refined carbs found in processed foods are much harder to digest and are linked to a lot of chronic illnesses in the long run.

How do I know if something has been processed?

You can typically tell when looking at the ingredients list of anything at the grocery store if something has been processed – it will have a long list of ingredients you can’t pronounce. Think of it like this; if you couldn’t make it yourself at home, then it’s probably been processed. Low fat foods as well as breakfast cereals are some of the most notorious because they contain a lot of added sugar/salt.

What’s the solution?

If you’re really trying to cut out bad processed foods from your diet, (or your family’s) we would recommend sticking to foods that have short ingredient lists. Now, there are quite a few brands out there that specialize in making healthier versions that can be found fairly easily – and we’re proud to say that we’re one of them!

What about Circle B Ranch products?

We do not add hormones or unnecessary antibiotics to any of our products, and you can taste the difference! Our products are made with the consumer in mind – which means fresh ingredients, organic spices, no artificial ingredients, and 100% natural (with a handful of products being gluten-free!)!

Ultimately, you are the one in charge of what you put into your body. However, we caution you to check with your favorite brands to make sure they aren’t causing negative effects to your health! If you have any questions about our products, you can always ask by contacting us here.