(NaturalHealth365)  There’s little debate that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are detrimental to human health in nearly every way.  These products offer minimal nutritional value, are packed with empty calories, and often contain addictive flavorings and artificial ingredients designed to make them hyper-palatable.  Their long shelf life makes them cheaper and more readily available than whole, natural foods, further cementing their dominance in our food supply.

However, a recent study on Italian adults uncovered an even more alarming connection: UPFs may shorten lifespan.  Let’s examine the study’s design, key findings, and how you can avoid these often overlooked yet serious health risks.

Ultra-processing only serves to make food more dangerous

Ultra-processing refers to the industrial refining of food that strips away natural proteins and fibers, making products more palatable and shelf-stable – but at a serious cost to health.  This often involves frying foods in refined seed oils, removing moisture, and replacing it with sugar, oil, or both.  As a result, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) offer little to no nutritional value.  When they contain certain so-called nutrients, it’s usually due to man-made “fortification,” as seen in many breads and cereals.

The oils used in UPFs are chemically manipulated to be hyper-stable, often through an extreme heating and cooling process.  To be clear, these highly toxic seed oils are very dangerous to human health.  In fact, most Americans would be surprised to discover that many toxic ingredients – used in the U.S. food supply are banned in Europe due to its well-documented health risks.

In addition, the aggressive addition of sugar to processed foods – particularly since the 1980s – has contributed to soaring rates of diabetes and insulin resistance.  Today, about 9% of American children have been diagnosed with diabetes, a number expected to rise in the coming decade.  That figure doesn’t even account for the millions of undiagnosed cases due to gaps in healthcare access and awareness.

Here is how ultra-processed foods impact aging and lifespan

A recent study examined the mortality rates and biological age of elderly Italian adults based on their self-reported eating habits.  The study involved 11,000 participants, with an average age of 79 ± 7 years.  Researchers gathered markers of aging and disease susceptibility and then compared them to the participants’ dietary reports.

The results were striking.  Individuals who consumed a high amount of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) had a biological age that was, on average, 0.39 years older than their chronological age.  Some outliers showed even more advanced aging.  UPFs significantly strain key organs such as the liver, pancreas, heart, and circulatory system.  This cumulative damage increases susceptibility to a range of diseases, both infectious and chronic.

Take these simple steps for a healthier future

If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you’re concerned about what your family is eating.  While ultra-processed foods are convenient, the long-term damage they cause can catch up with those who consume them regularly.

The good news is that you can start making a difference today.  If time is a concern, consider batch-cooking meals.  Meal prep is an excellent strategy for weight maintenance and a huge time-saver.  By cooking a large meal on Sunday, you can set aside leftovers for quick, healthy lunches throughout the week.

Another simple tip: avoid the inner aisles of the grocery store.  Most fresh, wholesome options – organic produce, 100% grass fed meat, and pasture raised eggs – can be found around the store’s outer ring, so focus your shopping there.

Whenever possible, choose local and organic foods.  The farmers market and local farms offer many nutritious options without the use of unwanted toxins.  Community gardens, which are often organic, are another wonderful way to get involved.  You will enjoy fresh, local produce, and you’ll also benefit from physical activity and contribute to your community.

Ultimately, avoiding ultra-processed foods is one of the most empowering decisions you can make for your health.  Increasing your intake of high-fiber fruits and vegetables, healthy proteins, and whole foods nourish your body in ways processed foods simply can’t match.

As research continues to emerge, it’s becoming clear that UPFs are just as harmful to our health as smoking and a sedentary lifestyle – key contributors to the modern epidemic of obesity and diabetes.  Armed with this knowledge, you have the power to protect yourself from premature aging and diseases associated with processed foods.

Keep toxic foods out of your fridge, pantry, and plate, and take control of your health today.

Sources for the article include:

Sciencedirect.com