Under the patronage of the Dean of the College of Sciences for Women , Professor Dr. Sameera Naji Khdim, the Department of Biology Sciences, in cooperation with the Continuing Education Unit, organized a scientific workshop entitled (The Harm of Processed Foods on Human Health) presented by Asst. Prof. Dr. Taiba Hashim Muhammad, Asst. Dr. Abeer Muhammad Hassan, and Eng. Suja Hassan Abdul Amir.
The workshop aimed to shed light on the harm of processed foods on human health and to identify them and their types, such as canned, frozen and fast-cooking foods, while clarifying the difference between them and natural foods. Harmful ingredients were addressed, such as added sugars, saturated fats, salt and preservatives, which negatively affect heart health, weight gain, and high blood pressure, in addition to health damages associated with processed foods, such as obesity, chronic diseases, diabetes and heart disease, in addition to negative effects on the digestive system and mental health. The focus was also on the risks associated with chemicals such as artificial colors and flavors, which may cause cancer.
One of the most important topics addressed by the workshop was the impact of processed foods on children and their impact on mental and physical development and healthy behaviors. Modern trends in healthy nutrition were reviewed, such as encouraging the consumption of fresh and balanced foods, the importance of home-prepared meals, and reducing the consumption of processed foods through awareness policies and health education in society. This workshop achieves one of the sustainable development goals represented by the twelfth goal, which calls for responsible consumption and production.
