A recent study from the University of Michigan suggests that reaching for your favorite sugary soda could be costing you precious minutes of life—12 minutes per drink, to be exact.
The Impact of Food on Longevity
Researchers analyzed 5,800 foods, ranking them based on their effects on longevity. Factors such as additives, fats, calories, and sugar content were considered to create a Health Nutritional Index, measuring the health impact of each food per gram and adjusted for standard serving sizes.
Their findings revealed:
- Sugar-sweetened beverages (like Coca-Cola and Mountain Dew) can shorten life by 12 minutes per serving.
- Bacon reduces lifespan by six minutes.
- A double cheeseburger cuts nearly nine minutes.
- Hot dogs are the biggest offenders, costing 36 minutes of healthy life per serving due to preservatives and nitrates linked to cancer.
- Chicken wings take away three minutes and 30 seconds.
- Cured meats (like prosciutto) could cost 24 minutes.
- Even a serving of cheese shaves off over a minute.
Not All Doom and Gloom
The study also found that some foods can add minutes to your life:
- Bananas contribute 13.5 minutes.
- Baked salmon can add 16 minutes.
- 30 grams of nuts can extend life by 26 minutes.
While some foods may be taking years off your life, healthier choices could help tip the balance in your favor.
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