In developed countries such as the UK and the USA, UPF represents more than 60% of the calories consumed in children’s and adolescents’ diets. In some Latin American countries such as Chile and Mexico, it is more than one-third of the total calories consumed by children 1–19 years old
If one is poor, doesn’t have garden space or time for gardening, because they are working multiple jobs to keep the rent paid, lives in a food desert area all of the fast food options become more likely. And yes, with education one could learn to sprout lentils, connect directly with farmers to cut costs by buying bulk/direct, etc. Many towns have organizations that work for food security, but not everyone benefits from these.
and low diversity. A key point is that more variety of plants provides a wider range of nutrients to the bacteria.
And most of those nutrients by volume or mass is water soluble fibers, a.k.a. prebiotics.
Im assuming they think the western diet is 24/7 fastfood, like checkers/rallys none of the healthier options
Current research show children in the UK and US on average consume 60% of their calories from UPF. So, to your point: Yes, and it’s backed with stats.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11346253/
If one is poor, doesn’t have garden space or time for gardening, because they are working multiple jobs to keep the rent paid, lives in a food desert area all of the fast food options become more likely. And yes, with education one could learn to sprout lentils, connect directly with farmers to cut costs by buying bulk/direct, etc. Many towns have organizations that work for food security, but not everyone benefits from these.