How eating processed foods might make your life shorter
Some of your favorite foods may be costing you more than simply calories. The study found that some highly processed meals may shorten your life. Eating a hot dog, for instance, might subtract 36 minutes, and drinking a Coke to wash it down may add another 12. Cheeseburgers could shave off nine minutes, while breakfast sandwiches and eggs were found to erase thirteen minutes. However, there is still hope! Additionally, the study showed that eating specific kinds of fish might extend your life by 28 minutes, providing a better substitute.
Dr. Olivier Jolliet, the study's lead, emphasized the importance of dietary changes for better health. He said, "The urgency of dietary changes to improve human health is clear. Our findings demonstrate that small, targeted substitutions offer a feasible and powerful strategy to achieve significant health and environmental benefits without requiring dramatic dietary shifts."
Which foods might be cutting your life short?
Hot dog 36 minutes
Breakfast sandwich 13 minutes
Eggs 13 minutes
Coke 12 minutes
Cheeseburgers 09 minutes
Bacon 06 minutes
Although the study found that eating comfort foods like pizza, macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, and Coke reduced life expectancy, it also discovered that eating healthier meals like some kinds of fish might potentially increase life expectancy.
Some fish varieties can extend your life by 32 minutes, demonstrating the value of eating a healthier diet. According to earlier research, eating cheeses like brie and cheddar may help prevent liver cancer and increase life expectancy. To promote general health, many specialists advise avoiding highly processed meals and encouraging us to be more conscious of what we eat.
Health risks associated with ultra-processed foods
The british Medical Journal (BMJ) published alarming research on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) earlier this year. Excessive intake of these items was associated with a 48–53% greater risk of mental health problems, including anxiety, and a 50% higher risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease.
The chance of getting type 2 diabetes was also increased by 12%. Additionally, UPFs were linked to a 40–66% increased risk of heart disease, obesity, and a 21% increased risk of mortality from any cause. These foods were also linked to gastrointestinal disorders, asthma, depression, insomnia, and excessive cholesterol. For improved long-term health, experts still advise putting healthier meals like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains first, even if UFPs can be used in moderation.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.