The classic American food that takes 36 minutes off your life every time you eat it
Ultra-processed foods such as hot dogs reduce life expectancy by containing a large amount of elements that are harmful to health.
Nutritionist Luis Alberto Zamora has raised concerns that consuming ultraprocessed foods could be shortening our lives, according to a groundbreaking study conducted by the University of Michigan and published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature. The research meticulously classified over 5,800 foods commonly consumed in the United States, assessing their impact on health based on additives, nutrients, fats, calories, and sugar content.
Hidden dangers in everyday foods
While the study aimed to identify environmentally sustainable foods that promote health, it uncovered several surprisingly harmful options. Notably, the humble hot dog was found to reduce life expectancy by 36 minutes each time it’s consumed, primarily due to its ultraprocessed components. However, this negative impact diminishes when hot dogs are prepared at home using whole ingredients.
Preservatives linked to cancer risks
Processed meats ranked second on the list, decreasing lifespan by 24 minutes per serving, though this varies with quantity. For instance, consuming an 85-gram portion of chicken wings can shave off approximately 3.3 minutes of life due to high levels of sodium and harmful trans fats. Beef hot dogs with buns were associated with a 36-minute reduction, largely attributed to the detrimental effects of processed meat.
These ultraprocessed foods often contain nitrites and nitrates—preservatives that can transform into compounds linked to colon cancer. Additionally, their high sugar and fat content elevates the risk of developing diabetes. Combining these foods with other ultraprocessed items, such as pairing a hot dog with a soda, can lead to an even greater reduction in lifespan, totaling a loss of 48 minutes.
The hidden hazards of fast-food favorites
Burgers also pose significant health risks, especially when cooked in vegetable oils like sunflower oil. This cooking method can produce aldehydes—organic compounds used in various industries for their reducing properties, as defined by the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE).
Adding ingredients like cheese further exacerbates the negative impact, resulting in an additional 9-minute reduction in life expectancy per serving.
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