Experts Weigh In: Foods That Could Be Aging You Faster
Many researchers say that what you eat may accelerate biological aging. “Biological aging refers to the gradual deterioration of functional characteristics at the cellular and molecular levels, which can be influenced by lifestyle factors, including diet,” a dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching, told Eat This, Not That. The website for health and nutrition collaborated with nutrition coaches and dieticians to compile a list of foods that are aging you faster.
At the top of the list is sugary cereals. They mention that cereals can be a “wholesome” breakfast but many on the market are full of sugar. When you’re getting most of your calories from sugar, it can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose. This can prompt the body to quickly release insulin to regulate those sugar levels. According to one of their experts, “overtime continuous fluctuation in blood sugar and insulin levels can lead to insulin resistance and increased oxidative stress.”
Could you be aging faster because of processed red meats?
Also at the top of the list are hot dogs and bacon. While having these food items on occasion they said that processed meats in your diet regularly “isn’t a smart move.” One of their experts went into further detail about processed red meats. They point out that processed red meats are rich in saturated fats and often contain preservatives like nitrates. They can contribute to biological aging by promoting chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, said one of their experts.
Wrapping up the top three is alcohol. Apparently, alcohol can boost your chronological age in three ways, according to the list. It’s a diuretic, which means it makes you urinate more. They said this can lead to dehydration, resulting in dry and dull skin with an increased likelihood of wrinkles and fine lines. Alcohol hinders the absorption of vital nutrients such as vitamins B12 and folate, along with antioxidants. This can raise the risk of “age-related neurological disorders.” These include Alzheimer’s and dementia. Lastly, they highlight how alcohol can cause liver damage, potentially accelerating aging processes throughout the body.
Other foods on the list include redefined white flour, soda and sugary drinks, fried food, and others. Take a look at the complete breakdown and list here.
