[vosper]

> What is meant by "processed"?

In the case of meat I think it's usually referring to added nitrates as a result of processing, which is linked to health problems [0].

> To me, it's not obvious that "processed is bad" particularly because I don't know what "processed" means.

Yeah I think your point is valid - "whole" is a bit like "natural". Too broad and undefined. We're supposed to think one is good and one is bad because marketing of "whole" and "natural" is trying to create that impression. No-one says "chemical" in their marketing, like no-one says "processed". You only advertise as "natural" or "whole".

[0] WebMD, but there's loads of articles about it https://www.webmd.com/diet/foods-high-in-nitrates