The Truth About Ultra Processed Foods

The Wellness Scoop

Mental Health, Society & Culture, Health & Fitness

4.7 • 5.9K Ratings

🗓️ 11 August 2025

⏱️ 40 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Welcome to another special live episode of The Wellness Scoop. We’re starting with a calming five-minute meditation led by Cordelia Simpson to help you pause, breathe and refill your cup before diving in. Then we’re tackling one of the most confusing topics in nutrition: ultra processed foods (UPFs). From the additives hiding in our everyday favourites to the impact on gut health, inflammation and chronic disease, we’re breaking down what the science actually says and where the gaps still are. We’re looking at how UPFs are defined, the most common ones in our diets, and how our eating habits today compare to our grandparents’ generation. We’re also exploring the links with obesity, mental health and cancer risk, plus why cost and access play such a big role in the conversation. Most importantly, we’re sharing simple, realistic swaps that make a difference without cutting out joy, from building more meals around whole foods to knowing when an additive is worth paying attention to. Get your copy of Rhi's book, The Unprocessed Plate To get the exclusive gift box from Shokz, order via this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/44MSOxI⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode is sponsored by Guy Dogs, the charity helping people with sight loss live the life they choose.
0:07.2	Exactly. And we have just watched their new short film, Life All In. And honestly, I so recommend it is just so uplifting.
0:16.0	It just shows people with sight loss getting on with their life, cooking, creating, hiking, even ab-sailing,
0:21.8	which was unbelievable. It's just full of energy and joy, empowerment, and it's such a powerful
0:27.4	minder that life is all about taking part, whatever that looks like for you. And I think what
0:32.2	really surprised both of us is how much more there is to guide dogs than, you know, just guide dogs, I suppose.
0:38.5	Even those little furry heroes, they're just so incredible, Ella, they're just so gorgeous.
0:43.8	And as you said, Rie, I think they're doing so much more than what we probably all think.
0:47.1	They're also helping with everything from mobility training and confidence building to tech
0:51.7	support and even children's services.
0:54.1	It really is all about giving people the tools and confidence to to tech support and even children's services. It really is all about giving
0:55.3	people the tools and confidence to live independently and do the things that they love. So important.
1:00.7	It really is. And the amazing thing is that anybody can help. So you can all get involved by donating
1:05.7	or volunteering or even sponsoring a puppy, which let's be honest, it does sound pretty irresistible, Ella.
1:12.4	I would love to do that.
1:13.6	Exactly.
1:14.2	So if you would also like to see the film or find out how you can support their incredible work,
1:18.4	just head to guidedogs.org.
1:20.8	com.
1:21.7	Yeah, that's guidedogs.org.
1:23.3	Because everyone deserves to live the life that they choose.
1:27.2	This episode is sponsored by Simprove, one of the UK's number one gut health supplements.
	...

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