According to a new study, the regular consumption of ultra-processed foods may be linked to accelerated aging.
Researchers from the University of Catania in Italy reviewed data from over 22,000 individuals and found a connection between ultra-processed foods and faster aging.
Ultra-processed foods include not just packaged snacks or sugary beverages, but also seemingly harmless items like highly processed or packaged bread, fruit yogurt, certain types of breakfast cereals, or meat substitutes.
These foods are high in additives and preservatives but low in fiber, which can affect glucose metabolism and gut health.
For the study, over 30 different biological markers were used to measure biological age. Individuals who consumed large amounts of ultra-processed foods had a biological age greater than their chronological age.
Unlike chronological age, biological age reflects information about our body, including organs, tissues, and systems.
Using blood biomarkers from participants, researchers assessed the consumption of ultra-processed foods. The researchers stated that their findings highlight the need for dietary guidelines that can promote long-term health.
