Are Vegetarians and Vegans engaged in self-harm with some foods we eat?

15 ultra processed food and drinks

Guide to Food that can easily lead to Self-Harm

Apart from accidents, a range of sickness and viruses, most people probably end up in hospitals and clinics due to what we put in our mouth.

A 2024 study found that ongoing eating of ultra processed foods can lead to 32 different dangerous health outcomes, including cancer, heart disease, obesity, diabetes and more.

A study published in the August 2023 issue of the Journal of Affective Orders found that high consumption of ultra-processed foods has become a condition for depression.

Fake sausages support pigs through reducing pork comsumption but do these sausages impact on health of humans?

Ingredients of fake sausages. Rehydrated Textured Soya Protein (71%), Water, Rapeseed Oil, Soya Protein Concentrate, Seasoning (Sulphites) (Dextrose, Flavourings, Salt, Onion Powder, Yeast Extract, Colour: Red Iron Oxide), Fortified Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Stabiliser: Methyl Cellulose, Tomato Purée, Salt, Raising Agent: Ammonium Carbonates.

Ultra processed food has a harmful impact on mental/physical health, energy, digestion, weight, fitness, toilet function and general sense of wellbeing.

Our governments refuse to introduce legislation to stop the food industries abuse of mental/physical health of citizens.

A 2022 report in the journal Public Health Nutrition found that individuals who consumed excessive amounts of UPF were significantly more likely to report mild depression and more anxious days per month.

Government spends €billions on the nation’s medical and hospital health without tackling a primary cause for life threatening sickness, namely what we eat, drink or inhale.

Use your eyes to read labels on packets of food

• Is there an extensive list of ingredients found in the food and drink?

• Does the list include colourings, preservatives and other additives?

• Does the list include calories, fat, sugar or salt?

• Is your food made by a multinational company?

• Does your food contain palm oil?

Additives encourage addiction through exploiting taste. The increase in taste appeal increases addiction to harmful food.

Ultra processed food contains additives you won’t find in the kitchen.

If the food item lists an ingredient{s) unknown to you, then avoid buying it.

Minimum government legislation would require a significant size red or black label on all UPF food with a message, such as THIS (ULTRA PROCESSED FOOD) HARMS YOUR HEALTH with health warnings posted in supermarkets, food stores, restaurants and schools.

Serious legislation would ban additives. UPF generates more public suffering than cigarettes, yet treated without such legislation to safeguard public health.

A Warning to Vegans, Vegetarians and Others

Fifteen Ultra-Processed Food and Drink Contributing to Self-Harm

1.      Fake meat, such as burghers, sausages, baconand nuggets

2.     Plant milks with emulsifiers, flavours or stabilisers

3.     Ultra processed breakfast food often found in cereals

4.     Flavoured granola bars with added sugar and preservatives

5.     White/wholemeal bread/buns with minimal ingredients, often in supermarkets

6.     Flavoured candy bars with many ingredients

7.     Packaged pizzas

8.     Packaged snacks, packaged vegetable pies

9.     Biscuits, pastries, cakes

10.  Crisps based on minimal potatoes, lentils etc.

11.   Dairy based deserts.

12.  Chocolate

13.  Ice cream

14.  Fizzy drinks and alcohol

15.  Artificially flavoured sparkling water

A healthy diet shows in coloured fruits and vegetables, with wholegrains.

Remember to take a deep interest in your diet. Protest the abuse by the food industry where profit seems to priority over public health.

Provide healthy meals for your family, friends and colleagues.

Be well and stay well.