Rotunda blog

When presented with the opportunity to educate the population of our school on any social issue, I immediately knew that I wanted to discuss processed foods. From a young age, I've known that there was something bad about processed foods, because my mom's nutritionist had cautioned her to steer clear of "foods" that came in bars, bags, or boxes.  Yes, that includes your "healthy" granola bar and my "strengthening" Quest Bar.  For many people, this is a baffling notion, because consuming products that are packaged in this manner has become the norm in our society.  However, we often fail to step back, look at the big picture, and reevaluate what exactly we are putting into our bodies.

The purpose of eating is to provide our bodies with various macronutrients that are broken down and used as energy sources.  Still, most processed-food companies are not interested in efficient energy storage and release.  Instead, they combine various chemicals and artificial substances in order to trick our brains into wanting more, which ultimately increases their profits.  For example, many companies in the  processed food industry play with the principle of "sensory-specific satiety."Big distinct flavors overwhelm the brain, which then depresses the desire to have more.  Knowing this, companies will create complex formulas that pique your taste buds just enough, without overwhelming them, thereby overriding your brain's inclination to say "enough."  

It seems that recently there are thousands of articles on the internet about various substances that are claimed to cause cancer.  Personally, and I speak without much knowledge on this specific subject, I feel that the ambiguity of the conversation about cancer can be at least partially attributed to the consumption and usage of all these synthetic products.  Human organisms are made up of organic substances that occur naturally on the Earth, so it makes sense that we are "designed" to run on fuel that is also organic in nature.  When we choose to consume manufactured and processed foods, there is a good chance that our bodies will respond negatively in one way or another.

I usually try to eat a healthy and nutritious diet, but am included amongst the millions of people who eat processed foods.  We are all human, and will all fall prey to the processed food industries tricks and trades.  However, it is important to have a basic understanding of the science that is being utilized for manipulation of the masses.  It would be very beneficial for everyone to follow a diet that is at least 90% whole foods and 10% processed.