Thread by @PhD_Leigh

Kicking off day 3 with more on ultra processed foods (a theme?). This time in the context of #PlantBased diets (aka plant-centered) and how we can increase plant intake while avoiding ultra processing. #Nutrition2022 #NutritionLiveOnline

First talk, "What are 'utra-processed' foods?" Seems like a good place to start the conversation. #Nutrition2022 #NutritionLiveOnline

The classification system for ultra processed foods is NOVA. Is NOVA about nutrients? Well, this seems to be. #Nutrition2022 #NutritionLiveOnline

NOVA is also about the food industry (unless of course you apply it to other foods, as many researchers do). #Nutrition2022 #NutritionLiveOnline

NOVA is more than nutrients, it's about ingredients too. Additives play a large role. #Nutrition2022 #NutritionLiveOnline

Yes additives are key for NOVA. Marketing may also play a role in combination with palatability, which comes from nutrients and additives. #Nutrition2022 #NutritionLiveOnline

Is NOVA really about processing? Well, that's debatable and may vary, e.g. plant milks with or without additives. #Nutrition2022 #NutritionLiveOnline

How are foods categorized in NOVA? #Nutrition2022 #NutritionLiveOnline

Are culinary ingredients problematic? Maybe it's not just ultra processed foods? #Nutrition2022 #NutritionLiveOnline

Other classification systems seem to be mainly driven by energy density (not processing). #Nutrition2022 #NutritionLiveOnline

In contrast, these systems often rank ultra processed foods as 'healthy' when NOVA would recommend limiting these foods. #Nutrition2022 #NutritionLiveOnline

Plant milks are almost all classified as ultra processed foods in NOVA. Does this agree with nutrition recommendations, especially with the goal of moving towards a plant centered diet? #Nutrition2022 #NutritionLiveOnline

Ultra processed foods are more common in the diets of those of lesser means and may contribute to health disparities. #Nutrition2022 #NutritionLiveOnline

Now the details on ultra processed foods and shifting to plant-centric diets. #Nutrition2022 #NutritionLiveOnline

Many #PlantBased alternatives are classified as ultra processed foods while the animal counterparts are not. #Nutrition2022 #NutritionLiveOnline

Looking just at the nutrients soy alternatives to beef and dairy do not seem like they would promote faster or over consumption.#Nutrition2022 #NutritionLiveOnline

We wouldn't think plant alternatives would be more palatable than beef/dairy, which could result in overconsumption. #Nutrition2022 #NutritionLiveOnline

Emerging research shows potential short term benefits to some plant-based alternatives. Long term outcomes have yet to be studied. #Nutrition2022 #NutritionLiveOnline