2024 Volume 32 Issue 3 Pages 220-225
Background: The NOVA system was developed to classify foods and international dishes based on their degree of processing. It has been used globally to examine relationships between processed food consumption, food intake, and health outcomes. We classified Japanese diets based on the NOVA system and assessed the relationship between nutrient intake and health status. Our results of previous research may provide potential insights into future research for their applications in health education and promotion.
Contents: In Japan, consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF), such as ready-to-eat foods (e.g., commercial lunch boxes), may be associated with unhealthy diets and obesity. It is necessary to consider whether salt sources are from in or out of the home and to focus on salt reduction among men who consume ready-to-eat meals. The NOVA system can potentially monitor reductions in salt intake.
Conclusions: For UPF to be effectively combined with homemade meals, it is necessary to provide both health education and create an environment in which health-conscious UPFs are developed. Our previous research may provide potential insights into future research for applications in health education and promotion. I aim to continue my research on UPF, contribute to nutrition policies to foster a healthier food environment and support further research that advances initiatives to create an environment that facilitates health promotion.
