Processed foods have been defined by the FDA as "any food other than a raw agricultural commodity and includes any raw agricultural commodity that has been subject to processing, such as canning, cooking, freezing, dehydration or milling.” If we use this definition, most foods we eat are considered "processed," and, as you probably know, this type of food is often very unhealthy. Here are eight shocking facts that tell you the truth about the foods you put into your body on a daily basis.

1. They are addicting.

Researchers have found that sugar stimulates the brain in the same way that cocaine does. Food companies are capitalizing on this by increasing the number of additives in the foods we eat to keep us coming back for more.

2. There are many loopholes.

In order to avoid many guidelines created by the FDA, some food companies actually classify their foods in other categories, such as "dietary supplements," that have much less strict regulations.

3. Too many additives.

Over 5,000 additives are allowed in the food that we eat every day and some of them are ingredients deemed "unsafe" if ingested by themselves.

4. They make you gain weight.

With all the added sugar and hydrogenated oils in our food, it's no wonder that our country is experiencing an obesity epidemic. In fact, approximately 70 percent of the calories we ingest come from unhealthy processed foods.

5. Harder to burn calories.

Researchers say that people who have a diet high in processed foods burn approximately 50 percent fewer calories compared to people who eat a mostly clean diet. Dietitians are encouraging people to limit their intake of processed foods to obtain a healthier lifestyle.

6. They have gross ingredients.

There are actually a lot of disgusting chemicals and additives allowed in our food that we wouldn't normally eat. Sodium bisulfite, a toilet bowl cleaning chemical, is also used in potato chips.

7. They disrupt your natural digestive system.

Processed foods disrupt the microorganisms in your digestive tract, which are vital for healthy bodily functions.

8. Increased risk for cancer and other diseases.

Research has shown that eating processed foods, significantly increases your chances of developing heart disease, cancer, diabetes and many more life-threatening diseases.

So, be nice to your body and try to eat a cleaner diet. It'll help you lose weight and live longer.