Breast Cancer Prevention News: Special Guest: Ann Fonfa: The Dangers of Processed Foods.

Breast Cancer Prevention News. Ann Fonfa founder of the AnnieAppleseedProject speaks on the dangers of processed foods to wellness especially for cancer patients.  "From its inception, the Annie Appleseed Project decided to Challenge the Existing treatment paradigm, to Question the existing research methods and subjects, and to Propose new directions for both ending with true Integrative Oncology. Thus the program name Cheqpt, designed to bring complementary, alternative therapies to the mainstream as soon as may be, while serving as a place where all ideas are scrutinized." - Quote from her website.

The term “processed food” can cause some confusion because most foods are processed in some way.  However, chemically processed foods often only contain refined ingredients and artificial substances, with little nutritional value. They tend to have added chemical flavoring agents, colors, and sweeteners.

These ultra-processed foods are sometimes called “cosmetic” foods, as compared with whole foods.

Some examples of ultra-processed foods include:

frozen or ready meals
baked goods, including pizza, cakes, and pastries
packaged breads
processed cheese products
breakfast cereals
crackers and chips
candy and ice cream
instant noodles and soups
reconstituted meats, such as sausages, nuggets, fish fingers, and processed ham
sodas and other sweetened drinks

Are processed foods bad for you?
Ultra-processed foods tend to taste good and are often inexpensive.  They are addictive but have no nutritional value.

However, they usually contain ingredients that could be harmful if consumed in excess, such as saturated fats, added sugar, and salt. These foods also contain less dietary fiber and fewer vitamins than whole foods.

Highly processed foods can lead to weight gain, diabetes and obesity.

Processed foods and beverages are among the major sources of added sugar in the diet. Sweetened beverages are a particularly significant source; people tend to consume much more sugar than they realize in soft drinks.

The ingredients list on the back of processed food packaging is often full of unrecognizable substances. Some are artificial chemicals that the manufacturer has added to make the food more palatable.  Rule of thumb - if you don't know what it is - don't eat it.

Ann serves on the board of directors for the National Breast Cancer Coalition and has been an active grant reviewer for journals and the Dept of Defense, for which she recruits other cancer survivors.
She is well-known for moving awareness forward.  Ann spoke at events around the world and is very proud of her work. 

She doesn’t take personal credit for the interest around Integrative oncology but she was the charter Advocate member of the Society for Integrative Oncology.  It’s time is NOW.
Today many in oncology acknowledge the need and value for exercise, nutritional changes, handling stress and more.

Ann is one amazing lady!

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