A recent study has confirmed what many health experts have long suspected: eating fewer processed foods leads to greater weight loss. In a randomized crossover trial involving 55 participants, those who followed a minimally processed diet lost twice as much weight as those on an ultra-processed diet.
Both groups, however, shed pounds due to their overall well-balanced diets, with the main difference being the amount of processed foods they consumed. Participants on the minimally processed diet consumed fewer calories and lost more body weight over a 1-year period.
The researchers found that participants on the minimally processed diet reported greater success in resisting cravings and maintained healthier health metrics, including lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels.
Diet experts Michelle Routhenstein and Mir Ali agree that while ultra-processed foods may not directly hinder weight loss, they can have negative impacts on metabolic health, cardiovascular risk, and gut health. Routhenstein notes that the type of ultra-processed food consumed may play a role in this, with some types potentially being healthier than others.
The study’s findings suggest that eating minimally processed foods can be a key strategy for maintaining a healthy weight. Experts recommend focusing on nutrient-dense diets, including whole foods, fruits, and vegetables, rather than relying on processed or packaged foods.
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/the-secret-to-weight-loss-opt-for-minimally-processed-foods