ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Ultra-processed food

Ultra-processed foods are foods that come in packages or containers and have been heavily processed by machines and factories. These foods often contain lots of ingredients that you may not recognize or be able to pronounce, and usually have lots of added sugars, fats, and salt. Examples of ultra-processed foods include chips, soda, candy, and many packaged snacks and meals.

Imagine you are at a birthday party and one of your friends hands you a bag of chips. These chips are cooked by machines and come in a bag with lots of other chips. They may have lots of flavors and colors on them that make them taste really yummy, but they are not very good for your body. Not only do they have lots of calories and sugar, but they are also missing many essential nutrients that your body needs to grow and function well.

So, while it may be fun to snack on chips and other ultra-processed foods every once in a while, it's important to remember that they should only be eaten as treats, and not all the time. Instead, focus on eating foods that are fresh and minimally processed, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Your body will thank you!
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