Accelerated Biological Aging Linked to Ultra-Processed Foods
Study Finds
A new study from Italy has linked ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to accelerated biological aging. The study, which followed 22,500 participants, found that those who consumed more than 14% of their daily calories from UPFs were biologically older than their chronological age.
What are Ultra-Processed Foods?
UPFs are packaged snacks, sugary drinks, mass-produced bread, fruit yogurt, some breakfast cereals, and meat alternatives. These foods have long been criticized for being high in calories, sugar, fat, and salt.
The Problem with UPFs
According to Marialaura Bonaccio, a nutritional epidemiologist and study co-author, UPFs are "nutritionally inadequate" and "rich in sugars, salt, and saturated or trans fats." The intense industrial processing of these foods can alter their composition, leading to a loss of nutrients and fiber, and can have negative consequences for physiological functions, including sugar metabolism and the balance of gut bacteria.
The Consequences of Consuming UPFs
Consuming UPFs can have serious consequences for our health. "This can have important consequences for a series of physiological functions, including [sugar] metabolism and the composition and functionality of the gut microbiota," Bonaccio explained.
How the Study Was Conducted
The study participants filled out a food questionnaire and had 36 biomarkers measured in their blood to compute their biological age. The findings were published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Other Research Supports the Link
The study’s findings are consistent with recent research from the University of California, San Francisco, which found that added sugar accelerates biological aging, even if it’s part of an otherwise healthy diet. High amounts of sugar in the blood can damage cells, leading to chronic inflammation, which is linked to various health problems.
Conclusion
The study’s findings suggest that limiting our consumption of UPFs is crucial for maintaining healthy aging. With UPFs making up around 60% of the typical American’s daily caloric intake, it’s essential to be aware of the potential consequences of our food choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are ultra-processed foods?
A: Ultra-processed foods are packaged snacks, sugary drinks, mass-produced bread, fruit yogurt, some breakfast cereals, and meat alternatives.
Q: What are the problems with ultra-processed foods?
A: Ultra-processed foods are "nutritionally inadequate" and "rich in sugars, salt, and saturated or trans fats," and can lead to a loss of nutrients and fiber.
Q: What are the consequences of consuming ultra-processed foods?
A: Consuming ultra-processed foods can have negative consequences for physiological functions, including sugar metabolism and the balance of gut bacteria.
Q: How can I avoid ultra-processed foods?
A: Limit your consumption of packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and processed meats, and opt for whole, unprocessed foods instead.
