Homonym: Processed (Refined)
Processed refers to food that has been altered from its original state through methods like cooking, freezing, or adding preservatives. This can enhance flavor, extend shelf life, or improve safety. Common examples include canned vegetables, frozen meals, and packaged snacks.
While some processing is necessary for food safety and convenience, excessive processing can lead to the loss of nutrients and the addition of unhealthy ingredients. Foods like white bread and soda are often considered highly processed due to their high sugar content and lack of whole ingredients.