Ultra-processed foods have become one of nutrition science's biggest villains, blamed for everything from obesity to heart disease. NOVA settled on four groups:Unprocessed or minimally processed foods — plant or animal parts taken directly from nature or altered only minimally, with no added salt, sugar, oil, or fat. Processed foods — group-one foods with culinary ingredients added to extend shelf life or change flavor. Ultra-processed foods (UPF) — industrial formulations, typically with five or more ingredients, built from substances rarely used in home cooking and additives meant to alter flavor, texture, and appearance, designed to replace minimally processed foods. ConclusionI remain convinced that diets heavy in ultra-processed foods track with rising obesity and chronic disease rates.