A nutrition expert has highlighted the potential impact just one cheeseburger can have on your lifespan, prompting a reconsideration of fast food choices at the start of the new year.
This eye-opening information was shared by nutritionist Luis Zamora on the TV program ‘Y ahora Sonsoles’. During the show, Zamora discussed how ultra-processed foods are linked to a reduced life expectancy.
While many are aware that foods such as frozen pizzas, instant noodles, and microwave meals aren’t the healthiest, understanding their specific effects on longevity might be a wake-up call.
A study published in the British Medical Journal in 2024 associates ultra-processed foods (UPFs) with various health issues, including heart disease, mental health disorders, and type 2 diabetes.
Despite this knowledge, data from 2024 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that between 2021 and 2023, 53 percent of the calories consumed by adults daily came from ultra-processed foods.
So, what is the specific impact of eating something as common as a cheeseburger?
Referring to a study by the University of Michigan, Zamora stated: “Each hot dog reduces life expectancy by an average of 36 minutes. The study tells us that soft drinks, even if they are sugar-free, take away 12 minutes of life.”
“Each cheeseburger would take away 9 minutes. Bacon, all processed red meats, each serving would take away up to six minutes of life.”
Although nine minutes might seem insignificant over a lifetime, the cumulative effect of regularly consuming UPFs could be considerable.
The estimates are the work of researchers Katerina Stylianou and Olivier Jolliet, who evaluated various foods to determine their health impacts or benefits.
Through their findings, the researchers developed a ‘Health Nutritional Index’, which calculates how many minutes of life might be lost or gained with each serving of different foods.
While UPFs are detrimental, some foods can positively impact longevity.
According to the research, consuming nuts and seeds can increase lifespan, with a 30-gram serving translating to an additional 25 minutes of healthy life.
As the new year approaches, it’s essential to keep moderation in mind. The study suggests that replacing 10 percent of daily calories from beef and processed meat with fruits and vegetables could extend life by an estimated 48 minutes.