When researchers fed healthy mice polysorbate-80 and carboxymethylcellulose, two emulsifiers often found in ultra-processed foods, the mice ate extra and gained weight. They developed metabolic syndrome and had trouble regulating their blood sugar. When the researchers examined the animals’ intestine tissue beneath a microscope, they saw signs of delicate inflammation. The emulsifiers promoted the growth of harmful bacteria within the gut that can digest the mucus lining within the intestine or grow closer to the intestinal tissue itself. Ultra-processed foods are formulated to be delicate and chewy.

At least then there could be some justification for not permitting her to …