Ultra-processed foods get talked about a lot, but most of the conversations skip the basics. This episode breaks down what “processed” actually means, how the NOVA classification system works, why it is controversial, and what matters for real life eating. This is not a fear-based take on food. It offers a grounded, practical look at how food processing affects nutrition, health, and decision-making. Includes examples, common misunderstandings, and take-home points that help people make realistic choices.