What are killer foods, and what should we think of when someone mentions them?
French scientists have found that “ultra-processed” foods increase the risk of diseases provoking early death. Researchers from Paris University set up an experiment. They analyzed data from more than 44 thousand adults aged 45 and over. They reported their diet every day for seven years.
The experiment showed that the use of so-called “ultra-processed” foods causes premature death. Such killer foods contain various additives: flavors, dyes, sweeteners, and emulsifiers. Many people’s favorite sweets fall into this group: ice cream, candies, energy bars, cakes, and cookies. It also includes processed meat and all fast food.
Nevertheless, scientists refuse to claim that such food directly causes premature death. Most likely, “ultra-processed” products increase the risk of various diseases that provoke it.
“Ultra-processed” products (killer foods) have become much more numerous over the past few decades. They can lead to an increase in the number of deaths from non-communicable diseases.
It is noted that during the experiment, other factors that can cause premature death were also considered. Scientists paid attention to income and education, body mass index, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and family history of cancer and heart disease.
Examples of Killer Foods
To make it better understandable we’ll write several famous things that can be ranged as harmful foods:
- fried meals;
- sugar and sweets (candies);
- spicy stir-fried food (will very likely cause intestinal cancer or pains in the stomach)
- chips, crisps, etc.
They raise the level of cholesterol in blood vessels, harm the protective film of the stomach, and cause gut irritation, which leads to accelerated aging. In the worst cases — cancer or infarction.
