Why do we have chemicals in our food?

Summary

This script explores the prevalence and health implications of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which make up over half of U.S. and U.K. calorie consumption. It discusses the role of the food industry, the evolution of food processing, and its shift towards convenience and taste enhancement. Studies link UPFs to diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cancer. The narrative calls for industry and government action to improve food access, with investors advocating for mandatory health and sustainability reporting. It concludes with expert advice on healthier eating and the challenges of avoiding UPFs completely.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) make up over half of the caloric intake in the U.S. and U.K., and 20-40% in other high- and middle-income countries.
• 🍔 Consumption of UPFs has been linked to serious health issues such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer.
• 📊 The food and beverage industry is a major economic contributor, with $34 billion to the U.K. economy and employing over 400,000 people.
• 🍞 Early food processing techniques like cooking, baking, and salting evolved to modern methods including pasteurization, aiming for safer food storage and consumption.
• 🔬 The 1950s saw a shift in food processing focus towards convenience, taste enhancement, and improved texture, often at the expense of nutritional value.
• 🧪 Food scientists create UPFs with the perfect balance of fats, sugars, and salts to stimulate overconsumption.
• 📈 Studies have shown that increased UPF consumption correlates with a higher risk of developing cancer, obesity, and type-2 diabetes.
• 🌱 A diet rich in ultra-processed foods is often less expensive and more accessible, contributing to health disparities.
• 🍏 Healthier food options, particularly fruits and vegetables, are more expensive, which can limit access for those with constrained budgets.
• 🌟 The British Food and Drink Federation highlights the benefits of food processing, such as increased shelf life and improved food variety.
• 📝 Investor Coalition for Food Policy advocates for mandatory reporting of health and sustainability metrics by food sector companies to drive necessary change.
• 🛒 Companies like Nestle and Unilever have begun to report on the nutritional value of their products, aiming to meet health and sustainability goals.

Q & A

What percentage of calories consumed in the U.S. and U.K. are from ultra-processed foods?

Ultra-processed foods account for more than half of the calories consumed in the U.S. and U.K.

What are the health risks associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF)?

Consumption of UPF has been linked to serious diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

What is Tim Spector's profession and his connection to the nutrition field?

Tim Spector is a professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London and the co-founder of ZOE, a personalized nutrition app.

Why is the consumption of diet lemonade criticized in the script?

Diet lemonade is criticized because it often contains artificial sweeteners and chemical additives, which are marketed as healthy but can be detrimental to health.

What is the significance of the food and beverage industry in the U.K. economy?

The food and beverage industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the U.K., contributing $34 billion to the economy and employing over 400,000 people.

What benefits does the British Food and Drink Federation claim for food processing?

The British Food and Drink Federation claims that food processing benefits include turning raw ingredients into edible food, increasing shelf life, improving texture, and offering a variety of options.

What role did the industrial revolution play in the evolution of food processing?

The industrial revolution introduced new techniques such as pasteurization, which allowed for safer food consumption and storage, free of infections.

How does Dr. Kiara Chang's research link ultra-processed food consumption to health risks?

Dr. Kiara Chang's research found that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a higher risk of developing cancer, obesity, and type-2 diabetes.

What is the global impact of non-communicable diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes?

Non-communicable diseases account for 74% of all deaths worldwide, killing 41 million people each year.

What is the current rate of obesity in the U.K., and how does it compare to other European countries?

In the U.K., 1 in 4 people are obese, which is the highest rate in Europe.

What is the Food Foundation's view on the accessibility and cost of healthier food options?

According to the Food Foundation, healthier foods are twice as expensive as less healthy options, making them less accessible, especially fruits and vegetables.

What measures are being proposed by the Investor Coalition for Food Policy to improve the food system?

The Investor Coalition for Food Policy is calling for mandatory reporting of health and sustainability metrics by food sector companies to drive necessary changes in the food system.

What steps have some food companies taken to improve the nutritional value of their products?

Some companies, like Nestle and Unilever, have started reporting the nutritional value of their products and set targets to meet specific nutritional criteria.

What advice does Tim Spector give for reducing the intake of ultra-processed foods?

Tim Spector suggests eating for gut microbes, consuming a variety of plants, eating the rainbow for different defense chemicals, including fermented foods, having a gap between meals for gut rest, and cutting down on ultra-processed foods.

Outlines

00:00

🍔 The Prevalence and Risks of Ultra-Processed Foods

The script opens with a personal account of a daily diet consisting of ultra-processed foods (UPF), which are defined as ready-to-eat items that are typically high in salt, sugar, and fat. It highlights a 2021 study showing that UPF make up over half of the calories consumed in the U.S. and U.K., and 20-40% in other high- and middle-income countries. The narrator discusses the link between UPF and serious health issues like diabetes, obesity, and cancer. The conversation with Tim Spector, a professor at King's College London, delves into the composition of common foods like diet lemonade, which often contains artificial sweeteners. The script also touches on the economic impact of the food and beverage industry in the U.K., the historical context of food processing, and the role of food scientists in creating addictive, unhealthy products.

05:01

🌱 Addressing the Challenge of Accessible and Healthy Food

This paragraph discusses the challenges of accessing healthier food options, especially for those with limited time and budget. It emphasizes the need for systemic changes rather than individual choices, given the constraints people face. The script mentions the role of health campaigners and investors in advocating for better food systems. It introduces Sophie Lawrence and the Investor Coalition for Food Policy, which calls for mandatory health and sustainability reporting by food companies. The Healthy Markets Initiative is also mentioned for its efforts to get food manufacturers to disclose the health profile of their products. The script notes the voluntary steps taken by companies like Nestle and Unilever to improve the nutritional value of their products but points out that these efforts are not enough without government intervention. It concludes with a call for consumers to reduce UPF consumption and simple dietary tips from Tim Spector to improve gut health and overall wellbeing.

Keywords

💡Ultra-processed foods

Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations that contain a high level of additives and are typically ready to consume. They are often linked to unhealthy diets and are the focus of the video's theme, as they are associated with serious health issues such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer. The script mentions that these foods make up a significant portion of the average person's diet in the U.S. and U.K., and their consumption is a widespread problem.

💡Calories

Calories are a measure of the energy content in food and are important in understanding nutrition and health. In the context of the video, calories consumed from ultra-processed foods (UPF) are highlighted as a major contributor to unhealthy diets. The script states that these foods account for over half of the calories consumed in the U.S. and U.K., indicating a reliance on energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods.

💡Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar. The video discusses how the consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes. This is part of the broader message about the health risks associated with these types of foods.

💡Obesity

Obesity is a medical condition involving excess body fat to the extent that health may be adversely affected. The script mentions obesity as one of the serious diseases linked to the consumption of ultra-processed foods, highlighting the growing health crisis and the role of diet in this condition.

💡Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. The video script discusses a study that links the consumption of ultra-processed foods to an increased risk of cancer, emphasizing the severe health implications of dietary choices.

💡Food industry

The food industry encompasses all sectors involved in the processing, marketing, and sale of food products. The script highlights the food and beverage industry as a major economic contributor in the U.K., while also discussing the role of the industry in promoting ultra-processed foods and the need for regulation and change.

💡Food processing

Food processing refers to the transformation of raw ingredients into food through various methods such as cooking, baking, and pasteurization. The video script traces the history of food processing from early human interventions to modern industrial techniques, and how it has evolved to prioritize convenience and taste over nutrition.

💡Nutritional value

Nutritional value pertains to the nutritional content of food, including the balance of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fats, and sugars. The script discusses the lack of nutritional value in ultra-processed foods and how companies like Nestle and Unilever are starting to report on the nutritional profile of their products, indicating a shift towards healthier options.

💡Health halo

A health halo is a perception that a food product is healthier due to certain attributes, even if it is not. The script uses the term to describe products like diet lemonade, which may be perceived as healthier due to 'no added sugar' but actually contain artificial sweeteners, misleading consumers about their health benefits.

💡Food insecurity

Food insecurity refers to the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. The video script mentions food insecurity in the context of the U.K., where healthier food options are more expensive, making them less accessible for some individuals and contributing to the reliance on cheaper, less healthy ultra-processed foods.

💡Investor Coalition for Food Policy

The Investor Coalition for Food Policy is a group of investors advocating for better food system regulation and transparency. The script discusses their call for mandatory reporting of health and sustainability metrics by food sector companies, indicating a push for industry accountability and change from an investor perspective.

💡Personalized nutrition

Personalized nutrition is an approach that tailors dietary recommendations to an individual's unique needs and characteristics. The video script mentions ZOE, a personalized nutrition app co-founded by Tim Spector, as an example of a service that can help individuals make healthier food choices based on their individual needs.

Highlights

Ultra-processed foods (UPF) account for more than half of the calories consumed in the U.S. and U.K., and 20-40% in other high- and middle-income countries.

Recent studies link UPF consumption to serious health issues such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

Tim Spector, a professor at King’s College London, discusses the unhealthy ingredients in common food items like diet lemonade and chips.

The U.K. food and beverage industry contributes significantly to the economy, employing over 400,000 people and generating $34 billion.

The British Food and Drink Federation highlights the benefits of food processing, such as increased shelf life and improved food variety.

The industrial revolution marked a shift in food processing from preservation to convenience and taste enhancement.

Ultra-processed foods are often higher in salt, fat, and sugar, designed to be extremely palatable and aggressively marketed, especially to children.

Dr. Kiara Chang's study links UPF consumption to an increased risk of cancer, obesity, and type-2 diabetes.

Non-communicable diseases, largely influenced by unhealthy diet, claim 74% of global deaths annually.

In the U.K., 1 in 4 people are obese, the highest rate in Europe, coinciding with serious food insecurity issues.

Healthier foods are often more expensive, making them less accessible, especially fruits and vegetables.

Rebecca Tobi from the Food Foundation emphasizes the need for government and businesses to change the food environment to promote healthier options.

Investors are calling for mandatory reporting of health and sustainability metrics by food sector companies to drive necessary changes.

Voluntary reporting standards have been inadequate, prompting the need for well-designed regulation to support a healthy and sustainable food system.

Nestle and Unilever have taken steps towards transparency by reporting nutritional values and setting targets for healthier product portfolios.

Tim Spector offers simple dietary tips for better health, including eating a variety of plants, fermented foods, and reducing UPF intake.

The transcript suggests that while it's possible to avoid UPF, doing so requires significant lifestyle changes akin to 'living like a monk'.

Consumers reportedly desire healthier products from retailers and manufacturers, recognizing the prohibitive cost of healthy food options.

Transcripts

It’s a busy morning here in London.  I’m on my way to the CNBC office.

But first I’m going to pick up a  coffee and probably a cookie too.

When it comes to food this is  usually how I start my day.

Then it’s usually a sandwich for lunch  and a ready meal I purchased from

the supermarket for dinner.

And every once in a while, a cheeseburger after a night out.

All these food items have something in common,  

they all fit in the category of  ultra-processed foods.

A 2021 study found that ultra-processed foods

account for more than half of calories consumed in the U.S. and U.K.,  

and about 20-40% of calories consumed in  other high- and middle-income countries.

And the bad news for me, and many others, is that recent studies have linked  

consumption of UPF to serious diseases  like diabetes, obesity and even cancer.

So, how widespread is this problem and  should ultra-processed foods be off the menu?

Firstly, I’m speaking to Tim Spector,  professor of genetic epidemiology

at King’s College London and the co-founder  of ZOE, a personalised nutrition app.

I’m showing Tim my lunch menu: a tuna  sandwich, a lemonade and a bag of chips.

Look all those carbs, you know.

I mean, why do you want palm fat in it? Why do you want wheat starch?

Now, this one is a diet lemonade. It’s made  with ‘real lemon juice’ and ‘no added sugar’.

To make sure they're not adding sugar, they're  adding artificial chemicals, chemical sweeteners.

So, you're getting this chemical composite,  which has this health halo of being healthy  

and source of vitamin C and all this nonsense,  but it's actually really, really bad for us.

More than half the calories consumed by the  average U.K. household are ultra-processed.

It’s seen the U.K. food industry become  increasingly lucrative for food companies.

The food and beverage industry is the  largest manufacturing sector in the country,  

contributing $34 billion to the economy  and employing more than 400,000 people.

The British Food and Drink Federation, which  represents the $128 billion food industry,  

says there are many benefits to processing food,

such as turning raw ingredients into  edible food increasing shelf life,  

improving texture and  offering a variety of options.

The first-time early humans processed  food was about a million years ago  

when our ancestors decided to cook meat with fire.

Then came other interventions like  baking, fermentation and salting of food.

The industrial revolution brought  new techniques like pasteurization.

All of this allowed us to consume and store  food in a safer way, free of infections.

By the 1950s, with growing prosperity around  the world, food processing became less about  

preservation, and focused more on convenience,  enhancing the taste, color and texture.

These chemicals, those brilliant food scientist in these companies that come up with these foods

that are just got that right mix  of fats, and sugars and salt,  

just to really make you want  more and more and overeat.

Most of the ultra-processed food that you find are higher in salt, fat and sugar.

They are designed to be extremely tasty, they're ready to eat.

And they are also really aggressively  marketed, especially to children.

Dr Kiara Chang is the author of an  Imperial College London study that  

links UPF consumption to increased risk of cancer.

We followed up almost 200,000 participants  who were aged between 40 and 69 years old,  

and we followed them up for about 10 years.

We found that for every 10% of the  proportion of their diets that's coming  

from ultra processed food, every 10% of that is  associated with higher risk of developing cancer.

What’s the link between obesity and consumption  of ultra-processed food in your research?

We also found that higher  consumption was associated  

with higher risk of obesity  and type-2 diabetes as well.

Non communicable diseases like heart disease,  cancer and diabetes, which are not spread  

through infection, kill 41 million people each  year; that’s 74% of all deaths in the world.

The World Health Organization says that most of  

these diseases are the result  of four particular behaviours.

Tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, physical  inactivity and of course an unhealthy diet.

Here in the U.K., 1 in 4 people are obese, that’s the highest rate in Europe.

And rising obesity comes at a time when  there is also serious food insecurity.

According to the Food Foundation,  healthier foods are twice as expensive

as less healthy options, especially fruits and vegetables.

I visited the Food Foundation and spoke to Rebecca Tobi, a nutritionist and business manager.

How do you think we can find the balance?  Because the problem is most of these UPF

items are very accessible and cheap so it’s  an important option for a lot of people.

I think we need to acknowledge that not everybody  

has the time or the mental  bandwidth to spend on food.

You know, if you're working multiple shifts,  and your food budget is really constrained.

We need to make sure that the  government and businesses are  

acting to actually change the food  environment people are living in.

It mustn't be about individual  choice because really,  

choice is severely constrained here  when it comes to what people can buy.

In recent years, Britain’s food system  increasingly became a controversial issue.

Health campaigners have been calling  for the industry and the government  

to take action to improve access to better food.

A group of investors have  also joined the conversation.

We noticed that investors did  not have a seat at the table  

when it came to advocating for the well-designed regulation

that will be able to support us to build a healthy, sustainable and affordable food system.

Sophie Lawrence leads a group of investors  called the Investor Coalition for Food Policy.

They manage assets worth $7 trillion.

What sort of regulation would you like to see?

What we specifically are calling for,  within the mandatory reporting legislation,  

is for food sector companies to report a set of health and sustainability metrics,

and that would be on a mandatory basis.

What history has told us is that the  voluntary reporting standards have  

really been inadequate in driving  the necessary scale of change.

But by reporting this data in a consistent way,  

it means that, as investors, we can understand  the risks that are facing these companies.

Last year, another investor coalition called the  Healthy Markets Initiative, run by ShareAction,

called on world’s biggest food manufacturers  to disclose the health profile of their sales.

The investor letter said British supermarkets  were “flooded with less healthy foods,  

causing significant harm to population health,  and creating systemic risks to investor returns”.

The industry has responded to  calls for more transparency.

Nestle, the world’s largest food company,

reported the nutritional value of its products for the first time in 2022.

Unilever revealed in its annual  report that 64% of its products  

met WHO-aligned nutritional standards.

In a statement to CNBC, Unilever  said they now have a new target:  

Making sure 85 per cent of their food portfolio  meets the companies’ nutrition criteria by 2028.

However, these steps are voluntary, and at  the moment, companies mark their own homework.

If you're a leading business, and you  know, you want to invest in healthier food,

you're essentially taking a big commercial risk in doing that, because it's not a level playing field.

None of your competitors will be doing that.

And so that we see as being quite unfair, and  something that the government needs to act on.

There's been some really good research in  the last couple of years, that says that actually,

consumers want their retailers and manufacturers to provide healthier products,

They recognise that the cost of healthy food is actually really prohibitive to lots of people.

Clearly, many of us want to eat  healthier and better.

But is it even possible avoid ultra processed foods all together?

Now you can do it, but you  got to live a bit like a monk.

Food is there to be savored.

But just eating this stuff regularly, every single day, every meal,

accumulating all these chemicals  in our body, they make us overeat by 25%.

And for people who may not have  yet access to a service like ZOE,  

for example, do you have a few simple tips?

Eat for your gut microbes.

I've got five simple rules  that most people can follow.

Try and eat 30 plants a week. Eat the rainbow, lots of colours,  

which means you're getting defence  chemicals, Polyphenols, in your food.

Have regular fermented foods.

Try and leave a gap, ideally 14 hours overnight, where you're not eating so your gut microbes can rest.

And finally cut down, way down,  on the ultra-processed foods.

And if everyone did that, the whole  country would be a lot healthier.