In today’s fast-paced world, the allure of convenience food is hard to resist. Pre-mixed and ready-to-eat meals have become a staple for many, offering quick solutions to hunger without the hassle of cooking. However, while these meals may seem like the perfect solution to save time, they come with hidden risks that can be inflammatory and upset gut health.
High Levels of Sodium and Preservatives: Sodium is often added to enhance flavours and acts as a preservative, giving these packages a long shelf life. While a small amount of sodium is essential for bodily functions, excessive intake can lead to high blood pressure, water retention and an increased risk of heart disease. Moreover, the preservatives and stabilizers used to keep these meals fresh for months can disrupt your body’s natural processes, potentially leading to digestive issues and other long-term health concerns.
Hidden Sugars and Unhealthy Fats: Many ready-to-eat meals are laden with hidden sugars and unhealthy fats to improve taste and texture. Excess sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Similarly, unhealthy fats, particularly trans fats and hydrogenated oils, can raise bad cholesterol levels while lowering good cholesterol, significantly increasing the risk of heart disease.
Artificial Ingredients: To make pre-mixed meals visually appealing and flavourful, manufacturers often rely on artificial colours, flavours and sweeteners. Some artificial ingredients have been linked to allergies, headaches, and even behavioural issues in children. Prolonged exposure to these substances can be carcinogenic too.
Overprocessing and Loss of Nutrients: Most ready-to-eat meals go through intense processing to ensure consistency and shelf stability. This process strips food of its nutrients and natural flavour, replacing them with synthetic substitutes.
Impact on Digestive Health: Fibre is an essential component of a healthy diet, aiding digestion and maintaining gut health. Unfortunately, pre-mixed meals are often low in fibre, relying instead on refined grains and artificial thickeners. A diet lacking in fibre can lead to digestive problems such as constipation, bloating, and an imbalanced gut microbiome.
While it’s understandable that busy schedules might make pre-mixed and ready-to-eat meals tempting, they come at a cost to your health. Additionally, the convenience of these meals can encourage a sedentary lifestyle, where the effort of meal preparation and the joy of cooking are replaced by a culture of instant gratification. With a little planning and advance prep, you can enjoy meals that are both quick and healthy.
(Kanika Narang is nutritionist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi)
Discover the Benefits of Our Subscription!
Stay informed with access to our award-winning journalism.
Avoid misinformation with trusted, accurate reporting.
Make smarter decisions with insights that matter.
Choose your subscription package