Study Finds Ultra-Processed Foods Like Hot Dogs Cut Lifespan by 36 Minutes, Coke by 12 Minutes, While Fish Adds 28 Minutes
Study Finds Ultra-Processed Foods Like Hot Dogs Cut Lifespan by 36 Minutes, Coke by 12 Minutes, While Fish Adds 28 Minutes ( Representative Image )
Coke, one of the world’s most popular beverages, and other ultra-processed foods (UPFs) could be doing more harm than just packing on the calories. A recent study conducted by the University of Michigan reveals that some of our favorite foods might be shortening our lifespan. According to the research, certain ultra-processed foods are linked to a decrease in life expectancy. For example, eating a hot dog could subtract 36 minutes from your life, and washing it down with a Coke could take another 12 minutes away. Other foods such as breakfast sandwiches and eggs may take off 13 minutes, while indulging in a cheeseburger could reduce your life by 9 minutes.
However, not all foods are harmful to your health. The study highlights that consuming certain types of fish could add up to 28 minutes to your life, offering a healthier alternative to processed options.
Dr. Olivier Jolliet, lead researcher of the study, emphasized the importance of making dietary changes to improve health. “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,” he stated.
This research comes on the heels of a concerning study published earlier this year in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), which found that a high consumption of ultra-processed foods was linked to a 50% higher risk of cardiovascular disease-related death. Additionally, the risk of mental health issues, such as anxiety, increased by 48-53%, and there was a 12% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. UPFs were also connected to a 21% higher risk of death from any cause, obesity, and a 40-66% greater risk of heart disease. Other health problems tied to ultra-processed foods included sleep issues, depression, asthma, high cholesterol, and gastrointestinal problems.
While it’s okay to enjoy UPFs in moderation, health professionals stress the importance of prioritizing healthier options, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, for better long-term health. Foods like pizza, macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, and Coke have been linked to a shorter life expectancy, but healthier choices like fish have been shown to help extend life.
In fact, the study revealed that certain types of fish can add 32 minutes to your life, underlining the benefits of making smarter food choices. Previous studies have also suggested that consuming cheeses like cheddar and brie can not only improve life expectancy but may also reduce the risk of liver cancer.
Doctors continue to recommend cutting back on ultra-processed foods and adopting a more mindful, health-conscious approach to eating. After all, your favorite comfort foods might be costing you more than just calories.
