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Ultra-processed Overload: Are We Eating Ourselves Sick?

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How much ultra-processed foods are Americans eating?   A lot, according to a CDC study released this week.   This is concern not only for health reasons but also because Americans youth are consuming even more ultra-processed foods.   How much ultra-processed foods are Americans eating? Although young children aged 1-5 consume fewer calories from ultra-processed foods, those ages 6-11 and 12-18 consume well over 50% of their calories from ultra-processed foods as the chart indicates.   (See: Ultra-processed Foods, Chemicals, and Chronic Illness:   RFK Jr.’s MAHA Report About Children’s Health in America .)   But even older adults, those 60 and over consume over 50% of their calories from ultra-processed foods. 🧪 What Counts as Ultra-Processed Food? There is no one standard definition of ultra-processed foods, but most experts relay on the NOVA classification system .   Basically, ultra-processed foods are: ·      ...
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Coca-Cola’s New Cane Sugar Formula: What You Need To Know

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For years Coca-Cola has used high fructose corn syrup to sweeten Coke.   Now, after 40 years, they have announced they are launching a new Coke sweetened with cane sugar .   Coca-Cola already sells a Coke sweetened with cane sugar in Mexico.   Is cane sugar better for you, or is it just clever branding?   In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between cane sugar and high fructose corn syrup and help you make informed choices.   🧃 Why Coca-Cola Is Adding Cane Sugar Consumer Demand for Simpler Ingredients:   Many consumers want more natural ingredients in foods and beverages.   They perceive cane sugar (sucrose) as being more natural or real than high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).   Cost:   Coke won’t be saving money as high fructose corn syrup is cheaper than cane sugar, partially because it is heavily subsidized by the U.S. government.   Publicity and Politics:   President Trump post...
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Which Food Companies Are Removing Artificial Food Dyes?

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Many food companies are responding to federal pressure to remove artificial food dyes from their products.   Mounting evidence links synthetic food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 to behavioral issues such as hyperactivity and even allergic reactions-especially in children- so the pressure is on to reformulate foods.   Because the FDA has a 2025 initiative to phase out petroleum-based dyes, the food industry is responding.        What is the FDA Initiative ? In April 2025, the head of the Food and Drug Administration announced they were working to eliminate several artificial food dyes including Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Blue 2.   Another dye, Red 3 is scheduled to be banned by 2027 as research has found it caused cancer in laboratory rats.   Additionally, FDA announced it was approving “four new natural additives”.   📊 How prevalent are artificial food dyes in our foods? According to a study published in the Jour...
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The Anti-Inflammatory Power of Tart Cherry Juice: What You Need to Know

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Anyone suffering from inflammation is always looking for something to help reduce inflammation.   A relative with hip inflammation said they were trying tart cherry juice.   Then another relative went to the doctor because of their knee pain from arthritis. The relative told the doctor he was trying lots of things including losing weight, physical therapy, and an anti-inflammatory diet.   The doctor suggested adding one more thing, tart cherry juice. Why is tart cherry juice considered anti-inflammatory? 🍒 Rich in Anthocyanins Tart cherries are packed with anthocyanins , powerful antioxidants that give the fruit its deep red color. These compounds help reduce inflammation by blocking enzymes involved in the inflammatory process. And cherry juice contains quercetin , a flavonoid that helps reduce pain and swelling.   🧠 Supports Joint and Muscle Recovery Studies show tart cherry juice can ease joint pain and stiffness , especially in people with arthritis....
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