A study reveals foods that can lead to premature death

According to one study, eating too many ultra-processed foods, such as soda and processed meat, can shorten life expectancy by up to 10%.

The research followed more than 500,000 people for nearly 30 years, and revealed that consumption of these foods is directly linked to a higher risk of premature death, especially from cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, and this risk was higher among men (15%). and women (14%) after data adjustments.

What are the most dangerous ultra-processed foods?

Drinks such as sugary and diet sodas were the main villains identified. According to study author Erica Loftfield, these beverages were the biggest contributors to the consumption of ultra-processed foods.

Other foods that have shown a strong association with risk of death are highly processed meats, such as bacon, ham, sausages and deli meats.

These products contain ingredients we rarely use at home, such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers and colorings, which makes them more attractive and durable.

However, its excessive consumption is associated with serious health problems, including the development of chronic diseases and increased premature mortality.

Previous studies have already pointed to the dangers of processed meat and soft drinks, and this new research confirms those findings.

What about diet drinks?

Although diet drinks are often viewed as “healthy” alternatives, they are also considered ultra-processed because they contain artificial sweeteners and additives not found in whole foods.

These drinks have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and even dementia.

Therefore, even products that seem like better options can pose significant health risks.

How can we reduce risks?

The main recommendation is to reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods and choose whole foods that are minimally processed, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins. This can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and increase life expectancy.

Furthermore, experts like Loftfeld point out that when consumption of ultra-processed foods is unavoidable, it is important to check labels and give preference to products that contain lower amounts of… SodiumAdded sugars and fats.

Despite the alarming data, researchers believe that actual consumption of ultra-processed foods may be underestimated. This is because the data used in the study was collected approximately 30 years ago, and since then the supply and consumption of these products has increased significantly. It is estimated that up to 60% of the daily calories Americans consume come from ultra-processed foods.

With this increasing trend, it is clear that the health risks are greater than initially estimated. A previous study showed, for example, that consumption of savory snacks and desserts containing dairy products has nearly doubled since the 1990s.