{"id":149149,"date":"2025-08-16T00:19:10","date_gmt":"2025-08-16T00:19:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/149149\/"},"modified":"2025-08-16T00:19:10","modified_gmt":"2025-08-16T00:19:10","slug":"the-worst-and-best-ultra-processed-foods-you-can-eat-per-aha","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/149149\/","title":{"rendered":"The Worst and Best Ultra-Processed Foods You Can Eat, Per AHA"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul data-node-id=\"2\" class=\"css-1wk73g0 emevuu60\">\n<li data-node-id=\"2.0\">     The American Heart Association just released a big report on ultra-processed foods.<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"2.1\">     Some ultra-processed foods are healthier than others, according to the organization.<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"2.2\">     Experts say it\u2019s still important to limit how much ultra-processed foods you eat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"4\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Ultra-processed foods have been a hot topic in nutrition, with a government <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/MAHA-Report-The-White-House.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/MAHA-Report-The-White-House.pdf\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"report\" data-node-id=\"4.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">report<\/a> released in May linking this food category to a range of chronic diseases. Now, the American Heart Association (AHA) has released a new scientific advisory statement, breaking down the best and worst ultra-processed foods you can eat, and their impact on health.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"5\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">This echoes a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.massgeneral.org\/news\/article\/ultra-processed-foods-what-you-should-know\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.massgeneral.org\/news\/article\/ultra-processed-foods-what-you-should-know\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"growing argument\" data-node-id=\"5.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">growing argument<\/a> in the nutrition and health community, especially given that up to <a href=\"https:\/\/go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1576256&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2Fs43016-024-01095-7.epdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s43016-024-01095-7.epdf\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"70%\" data-vars-ga-product-id=\"0e15a818-d207-4138-b614-fae4dd2f4d75\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-node-id=\"5.3\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s43016-024-01095-7.epdf\" data-product-url=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s43016-024-01095-7.epdf\" data-affiliate=\"true\" data-affiliate-url=\"https:\/\/go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1576256&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2Fs43016-024-01095-7.epdf\" data-affiliate-network=\"{&quot;afflink_redirect&quot;:&quot;\/_p\/afflink\/xDev\/nature-prevalence-of-processed-foods-in&quot;,&quot;site_id&quot;:&quot;d55f98dc-cbd6-4679-ae11-243969f8c772&quot;,&quot;network&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Skimlinks&quot;}}\" data-vars-ga-product-price=\"$0.00\" data-vars-ga-product-retailer-id=\"d14085c3-e652-414b-9d17-c05855266712\" data-vars-ga-link-treatment=\"(not set) | (not set)\" class=\"body-link product-links css-inlxvj e1aq0z090\">70%<\/a> of our food supply is made up of ultra-processed foods. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"6\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">\u201cUltra-processed foods are such a large part of the American diet, and whatever we can do to steer our diet toward healthier options would be beneficial to our cardiovascular health,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.memorialcare.org\/providers\/cheng-han-chen\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.memorialcare.org\/providers\/cheng-han-chen\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Cheng-Han Chen, M.D\" data-node-id=\"6.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Cheng-Han Chen, M.D<\/a>., interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA. <br data-node-id=\"6.3\"\/><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"8\" class=\"body-tip css-1707dxl emevuu60\"><strong data-node-id=\"8.0\">Meet the experts<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/njms-web.njms.rutgers.edu\/profile\/myProfile.php?mbmid=dhk84\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/njms-web.njms.rutgers.edu\/profile\/myProfile.php?mbmid=dhk84\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Danbee Kim, M.D.,\" data-node-id=\"8.2\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Danbee Kim, M.D.,<\/a>, nutrition expert, weight loss surgeon, and assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.memorialcare.org\/providers\/cheng-han-chen\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.memorialcare.org\/providers\/cheng-han-chen\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Cheng-Han Chen, M.D\" data-node-id=\"8.4\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Cheng-Han Chen, M.D<\/a>., interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA; Keri Gans, R.D., author of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Small-Change-Diet-Thinner-Healthier\/dp\/145160890X?tag=prevention-auto-20\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Small-Change-Diet-Thinner-Healthier\/dp\/145160890X\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"The Small Change Diet\" data-vars-ga-product-id=\"4a09df84-af31-4451-80f8-35335b865e45\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-node-id=\"8.6.0\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Small-Change-Diet-Thinner-Healthier\/dp\/145160890X\" data-product-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Small-Change-Diet-Thinner-Healthier\/dp\/145160890X\" data-affiliate=\"true\" data-affiliate-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Small-Change-Diet-Thinner-Healthier\/dp\/145160890X?tag=prevention-auto-20\" data-affiliate-network=\"{&quot;site_id&quot;:&quot;d55f98dc-cbd6-4679-ae11-243969f8c772&quot;,&quot;metadata&quot;:{&quot;links&quot;:{&quot;default&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Small-Change-Diet-Thinner-Healthier\/dp\/145160890X?tag=prevention-auto-20&quot;,&quot;sem&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Small-Change-Diet-Thinner-Healthier\/dp\/145160890X?tag=pv-lift-20&quot;,&quot;social&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Small-Change-Diet-Thinner-Healthier\/dp\/145160890X?tag=pv-soc-lift-20&quot;}},&quot;network&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Amazon&quot;},&quot;product_metadata&quot;:null,&quot;afflink_redirect&quot;:&quot;\/_p\/afflink\/xDen\/amazon&quot;}\" data-vars-ga-product-brand=\"amazon.com\" data-vars-ga-product-retailer-id=\"9de8c213-e8b5-4361-8b92-827e3cbe7093\" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand=\"amazon.com\" data-vars-ga-link-treatment=\"sale | (not set)\" class=\"body-link product-links css-inlxvj e1aq0z090\">The Small Change Diet<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/wexnermedical.osu.edu\/mediaroom\/expertslisting\/kathy-moore\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/wexnermedical.osu.edu\/mediaroom\/expertslisting\/kathy-moore&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1755194365564000&amp;usg=AOvVaw136n0vVp7ZtwME1EhCGvg7\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/wexnermedical.osu.edu\/mediaroom\/expertslisting\/kathy-moore\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Kathleen Moore, R.D.N\" data-node-id=\"8.8\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Kathleen Moore, R.D.N<\/a>., a registered dietitian nutritionist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"9\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">So, which ultra-processed foods are considered \u201chealthier\u201d and what does this mean for your diet going forward? Doctors and a dietitian explain.<\/p>\n<p><strong data-node-id=\"10.0\">What are ultra-processed foods?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"11\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">The levels of food processing are classified under something called the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0924224421004970#:~:text=NOVA%20has%20classified%20food%20into,%E2%80%9CUltra%2Dprocessed%E2%80%9D%20foods.\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-node-id=\"11.1\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0924224421004970#:~:text=NOVA%20has%20classified%20food%20into,%E2%80%9CUltra%2Dprocessed%E2%80%9D%20foods.\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"NOVA scale\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">NOVA scale<\/a>. This scale lumps foods into these four main categories:<\/p>\n<ul data-node-id=\"12\" class=\"css-1wk73g0 emevuu60\">\n<li data-node-id=\"12.1\"><strong data-node-id=\"12.1.0\">Unprocessed and minimally      processed foods<\/strong>: This includes foods that are in their natural state or barely altered,      like strawberries, carrots, and milk.<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"12.3\"><strong data-node-id=\"12.3.0\">Processed culinary ingredients<\/strong>: These ingredients are created through      minimal processing, like pressing, refining, grinding, or milling. The category      includes things like olive oil and almond flour.<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"12.5\"><strong data-node-id=\"12.5.0\">Processed foods<\/strong>: Foods in this category are changed from their natural      state. They usually have sugar, oil, salt, or other substances added.      Canned tuna and some cheese fall under this umbrella. <\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"12.7\"><strong data-node-id=\"12.7.0\">Ultra-processed foods: <\/strong>Ultra-processed foods contain ingredients like      artificial colors and flavors, preservatives for shelf stability, and other      ingredients to preserve texture. Many packaged foods are considered      ultra-processed. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong data-node-id=\"13.0\">What did the report say?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"14\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">The report doesn\u2019t have great things to say about ultra-processed foods, calling them a \u201cgrowing public health challenge.\u201d <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"15\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Even more, \u201cmost ultra-processed foods overlap with foods high in saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium, which are already targets for cardiometabolic risk reduction,\u201d the report states. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"16\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">The report lists a link between ultra-processed foods and a range of serious health complications, including heart attacks, stroke, sleep disorders, depression, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. But the report also stresses the importance of identifying \u201chigh-risk\u201d ultra-processed foods subgroups to break down healthier options within this category.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"17\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">By encouraging people to have less of the most harmful ultra-processed foods and steering them more towards \u201ca small number of select, affordable ultra-processed foods of better diet quality,\u201d people may improve their health risks, the review says. <\/p>\n<p><strong data-node-id=\"18.0\">The best ultra-processed foods <\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"19\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">The AHA stops short of saying that certain ultra-processed foods are actually healthy. But the organization flags some options as being better for you than others. Those include:<\/p>\n<ul data-node-id=\"20\" class=\"css-1wk73g0 emevuu60\">\n<li data-node-id=\"20.0\">     Low-sodium whole-grain breads and crackers<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"20.1\">     Low-sugar yogurts<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"20.2\">     Tomato sauces<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"20.3\">     Nut- or bean-based spreads<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"20.4\">     Flavored dry-roasted chickpeas<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"20.5\">     Unsweetened, dried fruit-based snacks<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"20.6\">     Unsweetened high-fiber cereal<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"20.7\">     Plant-based meat and dairy alternatives that are low in sodium, added sugars, and saturated fat, like soy milk and tofu<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"21\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">\u201cSome ultra-processed foods can provide essential nutrients,\u201d says Keri Gans, R.D., author of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Small-Change-Diet-Thinner-Healthier\/dp\/145160890X?tag=prevention-auto-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Small-Change-Diet-Thinner-Healthier\/dp\/145160890X\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"The Small Change Diet\" data-vars-ga-product-id=\"4a09df84-af31-4451-80f8-35335b865e45\" data-node-id=\"21.1.0\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Small-Change-Diet-Thinner-Healthier\/dp\/145160890X\" data-product-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Small-Change-Diet-Thinner-Healthier\/dp\/145160890X\" data-affiliate=\"true\" data-affiliate-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Small-Change-Diet-Thinner-Healthier\/dp\/145160890X?tag=prevention-auto-20\" data-affiliate-network=\"{&quot;site_id&quot;:&quot;d55f98dc-cbd6-4679-ae11-243969f8c772&quot;,&quot;metadata&quot;:{&quot;links&quot;:{&quot;default&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Small-Change-Diet-Thinner-Healthier\/dp\/145160890X?tag=prevention-auto-20&quot;,&quot;sem&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Small-Change-Diet-Thinner-Healthier\/dp\/145160890X?tag=pv-lift-20&quot;,&quot;social&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Small-Change-Diet-Thinner-Healthier\/dp\/145160890X?tag=pv-soc-lift-20&quot;}},&quot;network&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Amazon&quot;},&quot;product_metadata&quot;:null,&quot;afflink_redirect&quot;:&quot;\/_p\/afflink\/xDen\/amazon&quot;}\" data-vars-ga-product-brand=\"amazon.com\" data-vars-ga-product-retailer-id=\"9de8c213-e8b5-4361-8b92-827e3cbe7093\" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand=\"amazon.com\" data-vars-ga-link-treatment=\"sale | (not set)\" class=\"body-link product-links css-inlxvj e1aq0z090\">The Small Change Diet<\/a>. \u201cIn contrast, others are loaded with added sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Knowing the difference helps you choose options that work best for your health and your lifestyle.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"22\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">These foods \u201ccan actually provide useful nutrients and help people get affordable, convenient foods\u2014especially when fresh options are harder to find,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/njms-web.njms.rutgers.edu\/profile\/myProfile.php?mbmid=dhk84\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/njms-web.njms.rutgers.edu\/profile\/myProfile.php?mbmid=dhk84\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Danbee Kim, M.D.\" data-node-id=\"22.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Danbee Kim, M.D.<\/a>, nutrition expert, weight loss surgeon, and assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"23\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Labeling some ultra-processed foods as better than others may also help people make more informed choices, says <a href=\"https:\/\/wexnermedical.osu.edu\/mediaroom\/expertslisting\/kathy-moore\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/wexnermedical.osu.edu\/mediaroom\/expertslisting\/kathy-moore&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1755194365564000&amp;usg=AOvVaw136n0vVp7ZtwME1EhCGvg7\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/wexnermedical.osu.edu\/mediaroom\/expertslisting\/kathy-moore\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Kathleen Moore, R.D.N\" data-node-id=\"23.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Kathleen Moore, R.D.N<\/a>., a registered dietitian nutritionist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. \u201cLabeling all ultra-processed foods as \u2018bad\u2019 may discourage the consumption of some nutrient-rich convenient options, like whole grain breads, cereals and cereal bars, yogurt, and grab-and-go meals,\u201d she says. \u201cSometimes it is useful to use some ultra-processed foods to save time or to incorporate balanced meal options when fresh foods are limited. Knowing which ultra-processed foods are more healthy will help consumers make better choices.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong data-node-id=\"24.0\">The worst ultra-processed foods<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"25\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">The AHA also broke down the least healthy ultra-processed foods. Those include:<\/p>\n<ul data-node-id=\"26\" class=\"css-1wk73g0 emevuu60\">\n<li data-node-id=\"26.0\">     Chicken nuggets<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"26.1\">     Sausage<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"26.2\">     Hot dogs<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"26.3\">     Sugar-sweetened beverages<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"26.4\">     Liquid cheese products<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"26.5\">     Cookies<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"26.6\">     Candies<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"26.7\">     Gummy fruit snacks<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"26.8\">     Refined grain breads<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"26.9\">     Tortillas<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"26.10\">     Dairy-based desserts like ice cream<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"26.11\">     Ready-to-heat meals made with refined grains, high fats, or processed meats like boxed macaroni and cheese or pizza<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"26.12\">     Tortilla- and potato-based chips<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong data-node-id=\"27.0\">Is it OK to eat a lot of \u2018healthy\u2019 ultra-processed foods?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"28\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">While the AHA report called out healthier versions of ultra-processed foods, experts say that still doesn\u2019t mean you should load up. \u201cThese can provide beneficial nutrients and fit into a balanced diet,\u201d Gans says. \u201cHowever, still pair them with plenty of whole and minimally processed foods for optimal health.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"29\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Dr. Chen agrees. \u201cAs much as possible, we should aim to eat whole foods rather than processed foods,\u201d he says. But these foods have an important role for some people, as Moore points out.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"30\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">\u201cI work with many clients who incorporate ultra-processed foods into their weekly schedules for a variety of reasons,\u201d she says. \u201cSome cannot seem to find time for breakfast, or have a work schedule that makes sitting down for lunch difficult. I have clients who are busy parents and benefit from a frozen family meal or \u2018grab and go\u2019 meal when sports events make it difficult to eat a home-cooked meal. Overall, I encourage my patients to limit ultra-processed foods to less than half of their overall consumption.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"31\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">Dr. Kim suggests trying to have these foods in moderation. \u201cThink of \u2018healthier\u2019 ultra-processed foods as a tool\u2014something you can lean on when they help make your diet more balanced or easier to stick to, but not something to make the star of your plate at every meal,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n<p><strong data-node-id=\"32.0\">How to reduce ultra-processed foods in your diet<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"33\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">The best way to reduce ultra-processed foods in your diet is to focus on whole foods first, according to Gans. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"34\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">\u201cBe prepared. Stock your pantry with nutrient-rich staples like canned tomatoes, beans, and oatmeal,\u201d she says. \u201cInclude more fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains, and make small swaps, like 100% whole-grain bread for white.\u201d In a perfect scenario, Gans says that the first ingredient in the things you eat should be a whole food. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"35\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">While you\u2019re at it, Dr. Kim suggests cutting back on the \u201cworst offenders,\u201d especially sugary drinks, processed meats, packaged sweets, and salty snacks.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"36\" class=\"css-i9p093 emevuu60\">\u201cThe fewer ultra-processed foods you eat, the better\u2014but it\u2019s about progress, not perfection,\u201d Dr. Kim says. \u201cSwap out the unhealthy ones first, make room for healthier stand-ins when needed, and keep working toward a diet built mostly from whole, real foods.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Related Stories<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The American Heart Association just released a big report on ultra-processed foods. Some ultra-processed foods are healthier than&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":149150,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[6543,87802,1201,3181,210,2875,1182,87801,67,132,68],"class_list":{"0":"post-149149","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nutrition","8":"tag-content-type-news-explainer","9":"tag-contentid-a26e2a84-797c-4f53-a81a-d24b7cc37786","10":"tag-displaytype-standard-article","11":"tag-hasproduct-true","12":"tag-health","13":"tag-locale-us","14":"tag-nutrition","15":"tag-shorttitle-the-best-ultra-processed-foods-you-can-eat","16":"tag-united-states","17":"tag-unitedstates","18":"tag-us"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115035580994696300","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/149149","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=149149"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/149149\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/149150"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=149149"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=149149"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=149149"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}