In recent years, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become increasingly important in the modern diet, with significant impacts on human health and society. This thesis aims to thoroughly analyze UPFs, examining their chemical and structural characteristics, analyzing the chemical changes associated with food processing, such as extrusion, and delves into the use of additives, especially phosphorus, which plays a crucial role in the stability and preservation of these products. Subsequently, the thesis explores the impacts of UPFs on human health, examining the correlation between the consumption of these foods and the incidence of diseases such as colon cancer, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. These diseases represent major challenges for public health today, and the analysis focuses on the scientific evidence linking these diseases to diets rich in UPFs. Another critical aspect addressed is the social impact of excessive consumption of UPFs. The increase in junk food consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the role of UPFs in worsening health conditions, including childhood obesity. The final chapter of the thesis focuses on an empirical survey conducted through a questionnaire, aimed at better understanding UPF-related dietary habits and collecting statistical data useful for understanding consumer perceptions and behaviors. The aim of the thesis is to provide a comprehensive overview of UPFs, highlighting the need to raise consumer awareness and promote a healthier and more conscious diet.
Negli ultimi anni, gli alimenti ultra-processati (UPF) hanno assunto un ruolo sempre più rilevante nella dieta moderna, con effetti significativi sulla salute umana e sulla società. Questa tesi si propone di analizzare a fondo gli UPF, esaminandone le caratteristiche chimiche e strutturali, analizzando i cambiamenti chimici associati alla lavorazione degli alimenti, come il sistema di estrusione, e approfondisce l'impiego di additivi, in particolare del fosforo, che gioca un ruolo cruciale nella stabilità e nella conservazione di questi prodotti. Successivamente, la tesi esplora gli impatti degli UPF sulla salute umana, esaminando la correlazione tra il consumo di questi alimenti e l'incidenza di patologie come il cancro al colon, l'obesità, le malattie cardiovascolari e il diabete mellito di tipo 2. Queste malattie rappresentano oggi le principali sfide per la sanità pubblica, e l'analisi si concentra sulle evidenze scientifiche che legano tali patologie a diete ricche di UPF. Un altro aspetto critico trattato è l'impatto sociale del consumo eccessivo di UPF. L'incremento del consumo di "cibo spazzatura" durante la pandemia di COVID-19 ha evidenziato il ruolo degli UPF nel peggioramento delle condizioni di salute, inclusa l'obesità infantile. Il capitolo finale della tesi si concentra su un'indagine empirica condotta tramite questionario, volta a comprendere meglio le abitudini alimentari legate agli UPF e a raccogliere dati statistici utili per comprendere le percezioni e i comportamenti dei consumatori. L'obiettivo della tesi è fornire una panoramica completa sugli UPF, evidenziando la necessità di sensibilizzare i consumatori e promuovere una dieta più sana e consapevole.
Alimenti ultra-processati (UPF): rischi e impatti sulla salute. Un'indagine approfondita.
CRIVELLARI, ELEONORA
2023/2024
Abstract
In recent years, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become increasingly important in the modern diet, with significant impacts on human health and society. This thesis aims to thoroughly analyze UPFs, examining their chemical and structural characteristics, analyzing the chemical changes associated with food processing, such as extrusion, and delves into the use of additives, especially phosphorus, which plays a crucial role in the stability and preservation of these products. Subsequently, the thesis explores the impacts of UPFs on human health, examining the correlation between the consumption of these foods and the incidence of diseases such as colon cancer, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. These diseases represent major challenges for public health today, and the analysis focuses on the scientific evidence linking these diseases to diets rich in UPFs. Another critical aspect addressed is the social impact of excessive consumption of UPFs. The increase in junk food consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the role of UPFs in worsening health conditions, including childhood obesity. The final chapter of the thesis focuses on an empirical survey conducted through a questionnaire, aimed at better understanding UPF-related dietary habits and collecting statistical data useful for understanding consumer perceptions and behaviors. The aim of the thesis is to provide a comprehensive overview of UPFs, highlighting the need to raise consumer awareness and promote a healthier and more conscious diet.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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PDFA TESI UPF COMPLETA E CORRETTA.pdf
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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12608/77971