While it’s true that none of us have complete control over how long we’ll live, it’s encouraging to know that there are actually a lot of things we can control. Estimated 80% Healthy eating and lifestyle habits can help prevent chronic disease and premature death.
There are literally hundreds of scientific studies linking certain foods to longevity, and you’re probably already familiar with the basics. What is a healthy diet?: Eat plenty of plant-based foods and keep ultra-processed foods to a minimum. But preventive medicine doctors say the foods and drinks you enjoy every day because you believe they’re healthy actually aren’t. Curious to find out what the biggest surprise is? Read on to find out.
1. Alcohol (including red wine)
It’s hardly new news that margaritas and shots of Jägermeister aren’t going to make you live longer, but most people tolerate red wine, believing it to be the only alcoholic drink that’s good for your heart. Sadly, that’s not true.
“New reports “We conclude that even moderate alcohol consumption, including red wine, can lead to the development of cancer, high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation, and show that drinking 25 grams of alcohol per day significantly increases premature ageing and mortality,” he said. Dr. Amy Myers“That’s the equivalent of less than two cocktails, two 12-ounce glasses of beer, or two five-ounce glasses of wine per day. We now know that one glass of red wine does not have the benefits that were once thought,” she added, a functional medicine physician.
Dr. Sarah Zal Gottfried An assistant clinical professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University told The Huffington Post that drinking any amount of alcohol is bad for your lifespan. Alcohol is a neurotoxin and again Increases cortisol levelsIt disrupts sleep, raises blood sugar levels and wreaks havoc on your health. “Alcohol doesn’t do you any good and it actually robs you of the benefits you expect from alcohol – relaxation, calm and energy,” she says.
2. Fruit juice
Fruit juice is one of those drinks that has a strong health image and parents make their kids drink it all day because it’s so good for them, but unless it’s truly freshly squeezed, it’s probably not all that healthy.
“Fruit juices often contain large amounts of added sugar and lack the fiber found in fruit,” she says. Dr. Nilda AbelleraHe is medical director of integrative medicine company Infuze MD. Many fruit juices contain: 30 grams sugarThis is roughly the same as what’s in soda. It is recommended Sugar is very harmful to your health, so women should limit their sugar intake to less than 36 grams per day and men to less than 25 grams per day.
3. Diet Soda
Is drinking diet soda better for your longevity than drinking regular soda? Scientific studies show that it isn’t.
Abellera blames this on the artificial sweeteners in soda.Artificial sweeteners “Artificial colorants such as aspartame, sucralose and saccharin are of concern due to their effects on metabolism, health risks, inhibition of insulin response, alteration of gut flora and potential for overconsumption,” she said. Diet soda sounds great because it has zero calories, but it can actually disrupt the body’s energy regulation mechanisms, leading to increased cravings and overeating, she explained.
Family doctor Dr. Alexander Golberg She told The Huffington Post that the artificial sweeteners in diet soda It has a negative effect on the good bacteria in the intestines. This affects health in a variety of ways, including compromising immunity and overall health, Gottfried said. Gottfried summed up the impact of artificial sweeteners on health and longevity: “Artificial sweeteners are a good idea gone wrong.”
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4. Charcuterie
If you think snacking on a charcuterie board is healthier than eating a hearty dinner, think again. The reason charcuterie is bad for your longevity is because of processed meat. “There is strong evidence linking processed meat to longevity. Different types of cancer, Similarly Heart disease and diabetes,” Said Dr. Norma Barbosa RiveraInternist.
Abellera adds: “Processed meats like bacon, sausage and deli meats have been linked to a variety of health risks, including increased rates of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. This is primarily due to additives used during processing, such as nitrates and nitrites, which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly colon cancer.” Processed meats tend to be higher in sodium and saturated fat, which can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease, she adds. Charcuterie may look cuter than deli meats, but that doesn’t mean it’s healthier.
5. Granola bars
Granola bars seem like one of those snacks that could help you live longer. But Golberg told HuffPost that granola bars are misleading. “Many granola bars marketed as healthy snacks are loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats,” he said. For example, some granola bars are made with coconut oil. Contains a lot of saturated fatty acidsA type of fat associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
To make sure the granola bar you’re eyeing is actually healthyMake sure they’re low in sugar, saturated fat, and sodium and contain at least 3 grams of dietary fiber per serving.
6. Flavored yogurt
Yogurt in flavors like Key Lime Pie, New York Cheesecake, and Peaches & Cream certainly sound more delicious than the plain version, and while they certainly may, they’re unfortunately nowhere near as healthy.
“Flavored yogurts may seem nutritious, but they often contain significant amounts of added sugar,” says Abellera. Golberg agrees, saying many flavored yogurts are loaded with added sugar. If you want to sweeten your yogurt, add your own fruit instead. You’ll avoid the added sugars that come with artificial flavors and increase the fiber content, making your snack even healthier.
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7. Smoothies
Making your own smoothies at home with all of your own control over the ingredients is great, but Golberg and Abellera say smoothies you don’t make yourself often contain added sugar or artificial sweeteners, turning this notoriously healthy food into something not so healthy. Many of Jamba Juice’s smoothies are For example, the amount of sugar per smoothie can range from 43 to 100 grams.
8. Acai Bowl
While acai is often touted as a superfood, Gottfried told HuffPost that acai bowls are also loaded with sugar. “When you read articles about superfoods, it makes you go a little crazy: Is eating an acai bowl the size of a football really a good idea?” Gottfried explains. For most people, eating a whole acai bowl would cause a significant spike in blood sugar, Increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity.
9. Heat and Eat Meals
Golberg told HuffPost that ready-made meals for the microwave or oven often contain harmful additives, especially two: Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) has been shown to cause cancer and alter DNA in animals.
The foods and drinks on this list may not be as healthy as you think they are, but ultimately, if you want to focus your diet on foods that support longevity, minimize sugary foods, alternative sweeteners, processed meats, and foods with additives, and reserve alcohol for special occasions. Foods and drinks that support longevity We hope you’ll have plenty on your table and enjoy it for years to come.
