9 Apparently Healthy Foods and Drinks Scientifically Linked to Shorter Life Expectancy

While no one certainly has complete control over their lifespan, it’s encouraging to know that we actually have a lot of control. It is estimated that 80% Chronic diseases and premature deaths are avoided through the implementation of healthy diets and lifestyles.

There are literally hundreds of scientific studies linking certain foods to longevity. Chances are you already know the gist of these studies. what it means to eat healthy: Stock up on plant-based foods and limit ultra-processed products as much as possible. But according to doctors specializing in preventive medicine, there are other foods and drinks that people consume regularly thinking that they are good for their health, but that is not the case. Curious to know what the biggest surprises are? Keep reading to find out.

Although it’s not really news that margaritas and Jagermeister shots won’t add years to your life, most people give red wine a free pass, believing that it’s the only alcoholic drink that is good for the heart. Sorry, but that’s not the case.

“New reports “Our research results show that even moderate consumption, including red wine, can contribute to the development of cancers, high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation. They also indicate a significant increase in premature aging and death when drinking 25 grams of alcohol per day,” said functional medicine physician Dr. Amy Myers. “This equates to less than two cocktails, two 350ml beers or two 150ml glasses of wine per day. We now know that a glass of red wine does not have the benefits that were once thought,” she added.

Dr Sara Szal Gottfried, clinical assistant professor in the department of integrative medicine and nutritional sciences at Thomas Jefferson University, told HuffPost that drinking alcohol, no matter the amount, is bad for longevity. She explained that alcohol is a neurotoxin and also increases cortisol levelswhich disrupts sleep and increases blood sugar levels, two harmful effects on health. “Alcohol has no positive effects. What you want it to do, relax you, help you feel regulated and energized, it’s actually stealing from you,” she said.

Fruit juice is one of those drinks that has a pretty glowing reputation for being healthy, so beneficial that parents give it to their kids all day long. But unless your juice is truly freshly squeezed, chances are it’s not all that healthy.

“Fruit juices often contain high levels of added sugar and lack the fiber found in fruit,” he said. Dr. Nilda Abellera, medical director of the integrative medicine company Infuze MD. Many fruit juices contain as much 30 grams of sugarwhich is about the same as that found in soda. It is recommended to keep sugar consumption to less than 36 grams per day for women and 25 grams per day for men, as it is very harmful to health.

Is it more effective for longevity to drink diet soda than regular soda? Scientific research indicates no.

Abellera explained that this was due to the artificial sweeteners in soda.Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose and saccharin have raised concerns due to their potential impact on metabolism, health risks, disruption of insulin response, alteration of gut microbiota and potential for overconsumption “, she said. She explained that diet soda is calorie-free, which sounds good, but it actually disrupts the body’s energy-regulating mechanisms, potentially leading to increased cravings and overeating.

Family doctor Dr Alexander Golberg told HuffPost that artificial sweeteners in diet soda negative impact on good bacteria in the intestine. According to him, this impacts health in a number of ways, including harming immune health and overall well-being. Gottfried summed up the impact of artificial sweeteners on health and longevity this way: “Artificial sweeteners are a good idea gone bad.”

If you think munching on a charcuterie board is healthier than eating a larger, full dinner, think again. The reason why deli meats aren’t good for longevity is because of deli meats. “There’s strong evidence linking processed meat to various forms of cancer, as well as heart disease and diabetes,” said Dr. Norma Barbosa Riverainternal medicine physician.

Abellera added: “Processed meats like bacon, sausages and cured meats are associated with various health risks, including a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. The main culprits are additives used in processing, such as nitrates and nitrites, which are associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. » She added that processed meats tend to be high in sodium and saturated fat, which can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of heart disease. Deli meats may look cuter than cured meats, but they’re not healthier.

Granola bars are a snack that seems to be a guarantee of longevity. But Golberg told HuffPost they are highly misleading. “Often marketed as healthy snacks, many granola bars contain high amounts of sugar and unhealthy fats,” he said. For example, some granola bars are made with coconut oil, which is high in saturated fata type of fat linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

To make sure the granola bar you’re considering is truly healthymake sure it’s low in sugar, saturated fat and sodium and has at least three grams of fiber per serving.

Yogurts with flavors like key lime pie, New York cheesecake, or peaches and cream certainly sound tastier than the plain versions. That may be the case, but unfortunately, they’re not as healthy.

“Flavored yogurts may seem nutritious, but they often contain significant amounts of added sugars,” Abellera said. Golberg echoed this view, saying that many flavored yogurts are loaded with added sugar. If you want to sweeten your yogurt, add your own fruit instead; they won’t contain the added sugar of artificial flavors and will also increase the amount of fiber, making your snack even healthier.

Making a smoothie at home while controlling all the ingredients is one thing, but Golberg and Abellera both said smoothies you don’t make yourself often contain added sugar or artificial sweeteners, turning this notorious health food into a smoothie. not so healthy food. Most of Jamba Juice’s smoothies, for example, consume between 43 and 100 grams of sugar per smoothie.

Acai is often touted as a superfood, but Gottfried told HuffPost that acai bowls are another food that’s often loaded with sugar. “When I see an article about superfoods, it drives me a little crazy. Is eating a football-sized acai bowl really a good idea?” She explained that for most people, eating an entire acai bowl will significantly spike blood sugar levels, which can increase the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity.

Golberg told HuffPost that prepared meals meant to be reheated in the microwave or oven often contain harmful additives. Two of them in particular are butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) And butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which has been shown to cause cancer in animals and damage DNA.

While the foods and drinks on this list may not be as healthy as you thought, it really boils down to this: If you want to center your diet around longevity-promoting foods, minimize foods high in sugar , made with alternative sweeteners, processed meats and additives – and save your alcohol intake for special occasions, if you choose to drink it. There is always many longevity-promoting foods and drinks left on the table to enjoy in abundance. Hopefully, you will enjoy it for many, many years.