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The Processed Food Problem | Christopher Gardner, PhD
Nutrition scientist Dr. Christopher Gardner is at the forefront of the debate on ultra processed foods (UPFs). Some experts say you should avoid them entirely, while others (including the American Heart Association) argue that certain processed foods can fit into a healthy diet.
Dr. Gardner joins Chuck Carroll at the International Conference on Nutrition and Medicine (ICNM) to help cut through the confusion and conflicting advice.
In this episode of The Exam Room Podcast, you’ll learn:
- What “ultra processed foods” really are
- Why not all UPFs are equally harmful
- The surprising reasons some healthier foods cost more
- The top food additives and ingredients to avoid
- How to read labels to make smarter choices
If you feel like you’ve raised your health IQ, please leave a 5-star rating and nice review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Discover Dr. Neal Barnard’s advice about which processed foods are healthy.
Episode FAQs
Are all ultra-processed foods unhealthy?
Not necessarily. Dr. Christopher Gardner explains that not all UPFs are equally harmful. Some foods labeled “ultra processed”, like certain tomato sauces or whole wheat breads, can still be part of a healthy diet in moderation.
What ingredients or additives should I avoid?
Look out for long ingredient lists filled with unpronounceable items, artificial dyes, flavorings, and industrial additives. The American Heart Association published a list of 150 ingredients to watch out for.
How can I make better choices at the grocery store?
Read ingredient labels carefully. Choose foods with shorter ingredient lists, recognize the first few ingredients, and be mindful of cosmetic additives.
