"UNPACKING THE IMPACT: HOW PROCESSED FOODS AFFECT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH"

 The link between many biological processes in living beings is mostly determined by diet. All forms of life require food to extract energy and carry-out crucial body functions. Around the globe, the trend of obesity is growing at an unprecedented pace. Obesity in childhood contributes to the risk of major chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and poor reproductive health.

One of the potential factors contributing to the obesity pandemic is the impoverished diet characterized by increased consumption of ultra-processed foods that takes over fifty percent of all energy intake among children, young people, and adults.

What are Processed & Ultra-Processed Foods?

The NOVA food categorization categorizes food into four groups based on how much processing has occurred during the manufacturing process:  

 

 

Processed Food: Processed foods are food that is altered from its natural state during processing. They are created by adding salt, oil, sugar, or other ingredients.

Ultra-Processed Foods: Certain foods are extremely processed and are known as ultra-processed. They contain a lot of extra components including sugars, sodium, fat, and artificial colors or preservatives. They may also include additives such as artificial colors and tastes, as well as stabilizers.

Traits of Ultra-Processed Foods:

Ultra-processed foods are extremely appetizing, energy-rich, quick & easy, and shelf-stable goods created through a succession of industrial processes from refined and inexpensive ingredients.

  

 

What effect do processed foods have on our health?

The presence of additional sugar, salt, and saturated fat has been directly associated with high-calorie intake and weight gain leading to obesity. Obesity has a well-established link to a combination of hereditary vulnerability and environmental variables, it also raises the likelihood of infertility, menstruation abnormalities, and other reproductive health issues. It has the potential to disrupt hormone balances and create inflammation in the body. This can cause reproductive system abnormalities as evidence advocates that maternal nutrition may influence offspring's risk of obesity and diet choice. The harmful proteins created in the body because of sugary and highly processed diets may interfere with environmental factors in the womb and have a direct impact on fertility.

 

Common Fertility-Threatening Processed Foods:

1.  Sugary Drinks: Drinking e amounts of sugary drinks such as soda, fruit juice, and sports drinks can lead to insulin resistance and obesity, which can impair fertility in both men and women. Additionally, evidence highlighted that one can of soda can reduce the probability of getting pregnant in a single menstrual cycle by 25 % among women and up to 33% among men by lowering the sperm count and poor sperm motility. 
2. Processed meats: Processed meats such as nuggets, pepperoni and bacon, ready-to-eat burger patty contains elevated levels of saturated and trans fats, which can increase inflammation and disrupt hormone levels. It has been associated with a lower sperm count in men and reduced fertility in women.
3. Ready-to-eat cereals:  Most cereals available in the market are also packed with artificial sugar and other additives. Also, people eat cereal with low-fat or skim milk, which has been associated with an increased risk of ovulatory infertility.The ideal meal should be comprised of whole forms of homemade granola, oats, and chia seed as recommended by many nutritionists and medical personnel.
4.  Fast food: Eating a diet high in fast food has been associated with reduced fertility in both men and women. Fast food is typically high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, which can lead to inflammation and hormonal imbalances. Moreover, fast food consumption has been linked to poor sperm quality and low sperm count in men.

 How to Eliminate Processed Food from Your Daily Routine:

 

 

Significance of a Healthy Food System:

Food that promotes and sustains nutrient-dense eating habits should be a top priority for any individual who prioritizes their health and well-being. Eating natural, unprocessed meals high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is essential for good health.

These nutrient-dense meals not only assist in maintaining a healthy internal body environment but also prevents chronic diseases, and provide the energy and stamina needed to flourish in today's challenging environment.

As an example, a sample of dietary components that is required for a good and healthy reproductive system is represented very well in the picture below.

 

 

 

Image courtesy: Google Images