Randy Chandler
Ultra-processed foods are industrially processed and contain ingredients that are rarely used in home cooking. They are associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. While there is no universally agreed-upon definition of ultra-processed foods, it is estimated that they make up a significant portion of the average person's diet. Parmesan cheese, also known as Parmigiano Reggiano, is a centuries-old cheese variety crafted using traditional techniques and natural ingredients. Given its minimal processing and absence of additives, Parmesan cheese is not typically considered an ultra-processed food. However, it is essential to distinguish between processed and ultra-processed foods, as the former does not fall under the same classification.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Ultra-processed foods are formulations of many ingredients, mostly of exclusive industrial use. |
| Classification | Parmesan cheese is not considered ultra-processed. |
| Ingredients | Parmigiano Reggiano is made from minimal ingredients: milk, salt, and natural foods for flavouring. |
| Processing | Parmigiano Reggiano is crafted using centuries-old techniques, including the separation of curds and whey. It is then aged slowly and naturally. |
| Health Impact | Ultra-processed foods are associated with poor health, including increased overall mortality, cardiovascular disease, overweight and obesity, type 2 diabetes, and mental health issues. |
| Convenience | Ultra-processed foods offer convenience and lengthy sell-by dates. |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan is not ultra-processed
Parmesan cheese is not considered an ultra-processed food. While there is no universally agreed-upon definition of ultra-processed foods, they are generally understood to be formulations of many ingredients, mostly of exclusive industrial use, that result from a sequence of industrial processes. Parmesan cheese, on the other hand, is made with minimal ingredients and crafted using centuries-old techniques. The cheese-making process involves the natural separation of curds and whey, and the use of local, high-quality milk, resulting in a dry paste cheese without any additives.
The purpose of creating ultra-processed foods is to develop highly profitable food and drink products that can replace less processed options. These products are often heavily promoted by transnational corporations. In contrast, Parmesan cheese has been made in the same way for over 900 years, illustrating that traditional methods and ingredients can result in a delicious and highly valued product without the need for extensive processing.
Ultra-processed foods are typically high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and salt, and low in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fibre. They have been linked to various adverse health outcomes, including increased overall mortality, cardiovascular disease, overweight and obesity, type 2 diabetes, and mental health issues such as depression and insomnia. By reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods, individuals can improve their health and foster a healthier relationship with food.
Parmesan cheese, being a whole and minimally processed food, is more nutrient-rich and filling. It contains no hidden sugars or unhealthy fats, and its simplicity in ingredients and preparation contributes to its maximum taste and nutritional value. While convenience and affordability are appealing factors in modern diets, the disadvantages of ultra-processed foods far outweigh the benefits. Thus, Parmesan cheese stands as a testament to the value of traditional, minimally processed foods in our diets.
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Parmesan is a natural, dry paste cheese
Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a natural, dry paste cheese that has been crafted using the same centuries-old techniques since it was first made in the Middle Ages. The process starts with the separation of curds and whey, a crucial step in the cheesemaking process. The monks who first made Parmesan used local, natural ingredients: milk from cows fed on regional forage, grass, and hay, and salt from nearby Salsomaggiore. This resulted in a dry paste cheese with no additives, produced in large wheels that could be preserved for long periods.
Parmesan is not considered an ultra-processed food. Ultra-processed foods are formulations of many ingredients, mostly industrial, that result from a sequence of industrial processes. They are created to be highly profitable, often promoted by transnational corporations, and may replace less processed foods. Examples include sugary soft drinks, sweets, biscuits, cakes, and savoury snacks, which are high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and salt. These foods are also typically low in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
While there is no universally agreed-upon definition, ultra-processed foods are commonly linked to the NOVA system, which classifies foods based on their level of processing. Ultra-processed foods fall into the fourth category, having been industrially processed and containing ingredients not typically used at home. For example, natural yogurt is considered 'minimally processed', while a shop-bought yogurt with added sugar or additives is 'ultra-processed'.
Parmesan, on the other hand, is a whole and minimally processed food. It has minimal ingredients and a depth of flavour that develops during its natural aging process. Nichola Ludlam-Raine, a dietician and author of 'How Not To Eat Ultra-Processed', emphasises the importance of simplicity in food, stating that whole and minimally processed foods tend to be more filling, nutrient-rich, and lower in hidden sugars and unhealthy fats.
While ultra-processed foods have become a major part of the modern diet due to their convenience, affordability, and lengthy shelf life, they have been linked to various health concerns. Studies have associated diets high in ultra-processed foods with conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even certain types of cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to limit the consumption of ultra-processed foods and opt for whole and minimally processed options like Parmesan cheese.
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Ultra-processed foods are linked to poor health
Parmesan cheese, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is made using centuries-old techniques. The cheese-making process involves the natural foods available locally, such as milk from cows and salt from nearby mines. The resulting dry paste cheese, without any additives, is suitable for long preservation.
Parmigiano Reggiano is crafted in the same way it was over 900 years ago, with a slow, natural aging process that develops its unique depth of flavour. This cheese is an example of a minimally processed food, which tends to be more filling, nutrient-rich, and lower in hidden sugars and unhealthy fats.
In contrast, ultra-processed foods are formulations of many ingredients, mostly of exclusive industrial use, that result from a sequence of industrial processes. While there is no universally agreed-upon definition, ultra-processed foods are commonly linked to the NOVA system, which classifies foods based on their level of processing. Ultra-processed foods are those that have been industrially processed and contain ingredients that are not typically found in home kitchens.
While occasional consumption of ultra-processed foods as part of a balanced diet may not cause significant harm, it is important to pair them with nutrient-dense foods to maintain a healthy relationship with food.
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Ultra-processed foods are high in additives
Parmigiano Reggiano, or Parmesan cheese, is not considered an ultra-processed food. While there is no universally agreed-upon definition of ultra-processed foods, they are commonly understood to be industrially processed foods that contain ingredients not typically used in home cooking. Parmesan cheese is made using traditional techniques that have been passed down for centuries and does not contain additives.
Ultra-processed foods are often formulated with many ingredients, most of which are exclusively of industrial use. These ingredients are not typically found in the average person's pantry. While some ultra-processed foods may be high in additives, it is important to note that not all ultra-processed foods are created equal. Some may contain higher levels of additives than others.
Additives are substances added to foods to enhance their flavour, colour, texture, or shelf life. Common additives found in ultra-processed foods include preservatives, artificial colours and flavours, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickeners. These additives are used to make the product more appealing to consumers and to extend its shelf life.
Some examples of ultra-processed foods that are high in additives include sugary soft drinks, sweets, biscuits, cakes, and savoury snacks. These foods often contain high quantities of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and salt, contributing to poor dietary patterns. They may also be low in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
It is worth noting that not all additives are harmful, and some are necessary to ensure food safety and stability. However, the high presence of certain additives in ultra-processed foods has been linked to negative health outcomes. Studies have shown that diets high in ultra-processed foods are associated with increased overall mortality, cardiovascular disease, overweight and obesity, type 2 diabetes, and mental health issues such as depression and insomnia.
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Parmesan is made with minimal ingredients
While there is no universally agreed-upon definition, the term "ultra-processed food" is commonly linked to a system called NOVA, which classifies foods based on their level of processing. Ultra-processed foods are typically industrially processed and contain ingredients not commonly found in home pantries. While some ultra-processed foods are unavoidable, reducing their consumption is beneficial for health.
Parmigiano Reggiano, or Parmesan cheese, is crafted with minimal ingredients, a technique that has endured for centuries. The monks who first made this cheese used natural, locally sourced ingredients, such as milk from cows fed on regional forage, grass, and hay, and salt from nearby mines. This simple combination, without any additives, resulted in a dry paste cheese produced in large wheels suitable for long preservation.
The slow, natural aging process of Parmesan cheese is key to its unique depth of flavour. Unlike many modern ultra-processed foods, Parmesan's production methods have remained unchanged for over 900 years. This cheese exemplifies how simplicity in food can lead to fewer additives, better nutrition, and a more profound connection to what we consume.
While the term processed refers to any food that has been altered from its natural state, "ultra-processed" implies a more intensive form of processing. Ultra-processed foods often contain additives to enhance shelf life, taste, or texture, and their consumption has been linked to various health concerns.
When it comes to cheese, a good rule of thumb is to consider convenience. A block of high-quality cheese, such as Parmesan, typically boasts a basic ingredient list, whereas pre-shredded cheese may contain additives to prevent clumping. Thus, Parmesan cheese, with its minimal ingredients, stands as an example of a whole and minimally processed food, offering a nutritious and satisfying option.
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Frequently asked questions
No, parmesan cheese is not considered ultra-processed. While there is no universally agreed-upon definition of ultra-processed foods, they are generally defined as industrially processed foods that contain ingredients not commonly found in home pantries. Parmesan cheese, on the other hand, is made using traditional methods and natural ingredients like milk, salt, and rennet, resulting in a dry paste cheese without any additives.
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) include sugary soft drinks, sweets, cakes, biscuits, processed meats, and some cheeses like cheese spreads and soft cheeses. These foods are often high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and salt, while being low in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
Research has linked high consumption of UPFs to various health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and mental health problems like depression and insomnia. Ultra-processed foods often result in a substantial loss of micronutrients and fibre, which can negatively impact overall health and well-being.
