Experts name 11 popular products that accelerate aging process

Sugary cereals

Popular breakfast cereals typically contain a lot of sugar. Such dishes can cause sharp spikes in blood glucose levels, prompting the body to rapidly release insulin to regulate sugar levels.

"Over time, this continuous fluctuation in blood sugar and insulin levels can lead to insulin resistance and increased oxidative stress, contributing to accelerated aging processes in the body," says dietitian Marlin Perez.

Regular consumption of high-sugar products, such as sweet cereals, may contribute to weight gain and obesity. These two conditions are associated with the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, a high sugar content in the diet worsens the condition of the skin.

Hot-dogs and bacon

Processed red meats are rich in saturated fats and often contain preservatives like nitrates, which can contribute to biological aging by promoting chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

"These factors accelerate cellular aging and increase the risk of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Additionally, the consumption of processed meats is linked to the formation of harmful compounds that can damage DNA and proteins, further exacerbating the aging process," explains dietitian Daniel Crumble Smith.

A study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology in 2020 showed that consuming red or processed meat at least 4 times a week was associated with a 20% higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to consuming less than 2 times a week.

Alcohol

Alcohol can contribute to aging in three key ways. Firstly, it is a diuretic, so it can lead to dehydration, causing dryness and dullness of the skin and increasing the likelihood of wrinkles.

Secondly, alcohol interferes with the absorption of vital nutrients such as vitamin B12, folic acid, and antioxidants, which harms cell health and contributes to a decline in cognitive functions, increasing the risk of age-related neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

"Lastly (but not least), alcohol can cause liver damage, including fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. This impairs the liver's ability to efficiently metabolize toxins and maintain overall bodily functions, potentially accelerating aging processes throughout the body," says Smith.

Refined white flour

Foods like white bread, bagels, pretzels, and pasta are all made of refined grains, which are stripped of all the fiber and nutrients that make the grains healthy in the first place. This milling process causes the foods to become high-glycemic, meaning they can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels.

"This spike and subsequent drop in blood sugar can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, accelerating cellular aging," says Smith.

Additionally, the lack of fiber and essential nutrients in refined white flour, compared to whole grains, deprives the body of key anti-aging nutrients—such as B vitamins, antioxidants, vitamin E, and minerals.

Sweet pastries accelerate aging (photo: Freepik)

Carbonated water and other sugary drinks

"The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages "contributes to biological aging primarily due to its high sugar content, leading to increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that accelerate cellular aging and tissue damage," explains Smith.

Sugary drinks contain phosphoric acid, which can interfere with calcium absorption, potentially reducing bone mineral density and increasing the risk of aging-related conditions such as osteoporosis and bone fractures.

Fried food

Fried food, like chicken nuggets, burgers, and fries often contain trans fats. These trans fats contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, processes that accelerate cellular aging and increase the risk of age-related diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Fast food

"Restaurant food has a high level of unhealthy fats, including saturated and trans fats, leading to inflammation and an elevated risk of age-related diseases," warns Peres.

Moreover, most of these dishes contain excessive sodium and high sugar content, exceeding daily norms. They may also potentially contain carcinogenic substances, especially if the food is fried or grilled at high temperatures.

Processed meat products

Ham, salami, and sliced turkey breast are all delicious sandwich essentials, but you shouldn't make them a part of your daily diet. They often contain many preservatives such as sodium and nitrates, contributing to biological aging mainly by promoting oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

Processed deli meats contain an excessive amount of sodium. Just three slices of ham contain about 652 mg of sodium, which is 27% of your daily recommended intake. The high sodium content in deli meats can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular problems.

Potato chips

"Commercially produced potato chips are often cooked in unhealthy oils at high temperatures, leading to the formation of trans fats. The high-temperature cooking process for starchy foods like potatoes in chip production can generate acrylamide, considered a potential carcinogen that may contribute to cellular damage and aging-related processes," says Perez.

In addition, potato chips have a high glycemic index and a high salt content. The sodium content in this product can lead to water retention, increased blood pressure, and stress on the cardiovascular system, potentially accelerating the aging of blood vessels.

Sugar-laden pastries

Pastries, in addition to sugar, may also contain trans fats. All of these contribute to biological aging, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

"The high sugar content can lead to the formation of AGEs that damage collagen and elastin, key proteins for maintaining youthful skin; while trans fats can negatively impact cardiovascular health and cellular integrity," says Smith.

Syrups

Sweeteners such as agave syrup, corn syrup, and certain maple syrups are high in fructose, a type of sugar linked to health issues such as insulin resistance, liver fat accumulation, and elevated triglyceride levels, contributing to metabolic issues and accelerated aging.

Excessive fructose also forms AGEs, potentially causing damage to collagen and elastin in the skin, which contributes to wrinkles, decreased elasticity, and skin aging.

Earlier, we wrote about whether nuts indeed block the absorption of calcium.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.