I’m sharing an audio commentary from a compelling conversation between me and Dr. Michael Jacobson, co-founder of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. In this first segment, we examine why ultra-processed foods are so harmful. Dr. Jacobson explains that these products go far beyond what we typically call “junk food”—covering everyday items like sweetened yogurts, packaged breads, and flavored cereals. While sodium is a major concern, as he details in his book Salt Wars, Jacobson highlights that added sugars, refined flours, and industrial fats pose a significant risk to the American diet. Together, these ingredients fuel widespread health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Michael F. Jacobson, Ph.D. is a scientist, nutrition advocate, and co-founder of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). With a doctorate from MIT in microbiology, he has spent over five decades leading science-based campaigns to improve the food system. Under his leadership, CSPI won landmark reforms such as the required Nutrition Facts labels on food packaging, the removal of trans fats from the food supply, and tighter controls on sodium, added sugars, and misleading marketing. He has written books like Salt Wars, Liquid Candy, Restaurant Confidential, and Six Arguments for a Greener Diet. Today, he continues to shape public health through advocacy, education, and founding the National Food Museum. His work gives consumers clearer information, healthier choices, and a louder voice in how food affects their lives.
This article originally appeared in Price of Business.
The author of the award-winning book, Diabetes: The Real Cause and the Right Cure, and Nationally Syndicated Columnist, Dr. John Poothullil, advocates for patients struggling with the effects of adverse lifestyle conditions.
Dr. John’s books, available on Amazon, have educated and inspired readers to take charge of their health. You can take many steps to make changes in your health, but Dr. John also empowers us to demand certain changes in our healthcare system. His latest book, Beat Unwanted Weight Gain, reveals the seven most essential strategies for shedding pounds—and keeping them off for good.
The author of the award-winning book, Diabetes: The Real Cause and the Right Cure, and Nationally Syndicated Columnist, Dr. John Poothullil, advocates for patients struggling with the effects of adverse lifestyle conditions.
Dr. John’s books, available on Amazon, have educated and inspired readers to take charge of their health. You can take many steps to make changes in your health, but Dr. John also empowers us to demand certain changes in our healthcare system. His latest book, Beat Unwanted Weight Gain, reveals the seven most essential strategies for shedding pounds—and keeping them off for good.
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