Why You Should Probably Avoid Ultra-Processed Foods

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- You've heard that processed foods are bad for you — but there are other foods that can even be worse. They are called ultra-processed foods, and there is bad news about these ultra-processed foods.

Grocery store shelves are stocked with factory-made foods. These foods have a potentially disastrous combination. They are high in sugar, fat, and salt. In addition too this, they also contain additives that are designed to imitate the taste or texture of natural foods.

The study found that ultra-processed foods may make up 60 percent of the average person's diet.

So what are these foods?

I bet you can guess. They include cakes, cookies, pies, frozen pizzas and entrees, soft drinks, sugary cereals and snacks with salt, like crackers.