Industrially-Produced Edible Substances

Ultra processed foods are often tasty but unhealthy options. They currently make up 57% of the UK diet. In children and the poor, however, that figure can rise to 80%. Ultra processed foods increase the risks of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and strokes. High consumption of these 'industrially-produced edible substances' has also been linked to cancer, dementia, depression, obesity, tooth decay and type 2 diabetes (https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/sep/06/ultra-processed-foods-the-19-things-everyone-needs-to-know). The general public often have no clear idea what proportion of their diet consists of ultra processed foods. People can be given lists of suspect protein, sugar, oils and additives. It's, however, very difficult for folk to interpret these. Cheapness of the item and speed and ease of oooking (fuel is also expensive) are important factors in a 'cost of living crisis'. One thing is, however, certain. That's that the health costs of these products will massively exceed the savings on 'food' bills. It's just like computing: garbage in-garbage out.