The Effects of Over-processed Foods in the United States Essay

The Effects of Over-processed Foods in the United States - Essay Example Since invention of processed foods, people directed their time towards microwavable dinners and tasty preserved artificial snacks instead of home cooked meals from local ingredients. As soldiers needed fast, travel-safe foods, the introduction of these processed foods came as a real blessing to them. During the war many women went to work, creating little time to cook at home. Continuing into the 1970’s, soy, corn and cattle became the staple food products when the age of canned, frozen and boxed foods became easily accessible. Most of these products turned into low fat and low-carb foods, which allow large food industries to sell unhealthy foods masked as healthy foods. Red meat consumption in the United States has then continued to rise with 58% of citizens consuming it. In 2003-2004, the consumption of processed red meat was averaged at 128 grams per day, with variations in race, gender, education and age. The nutritional value of a granola bar in another case more closely resembles a candy bar than granola. These foods are easily accessible and marketed to make people believe they are getting a sufficient amount of nutrition while on-the-go. Unfortunately, the public is not aware of the true ingredients that are used to make these foods.