One of the biggest concerns for people these days is living a longer, healthier life, now that we’re learning more and more about how much our habits and diets impact our chances.
These days, we’re living in a world where we’re surrounded by processed foods made with all sorts of artificial ingredients and additives that can affect our ability to live longer, more satisfying lives. For decades, we’ve learned that one of the best ways to take care of our aging bodies is by filling them with all sorts of clean, nutrient-dense foods like natural fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. In contrast, many foods have the opposite effect, which are more processed and harmful for our bodies. We used information from health experts to reveal four common foods that are the worst for longevity. Read more about them below.
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1. Butter
Butter is one of those food items that, when eaten in moderation, can be a delicious and balanced part of a healthy diet. However, eating excess amounts of butter on a daily basis, on your toast, in your lunch, while cooking your dinner, etc., can easily lead to health issues.
"Butter is linked to higher cholesterol, higher rates of heart disease deaths, and even more disturbing, higher rates of invasive cancer, such as breast cancer," says viral doctor Dr. Joel Fuhrman, MD.
Instead of frequently cooking with butter, try switching to single servings of extra virgin olive oil, which is known for containing more health benefits and heart health-boosting compounds than butter.
2. Sugary Breakfast Cereal
One of the most popular breakfast options is cereal, as it's super convenient to eat in the morning and there are often various options to enjoy. Additionally, some people find it easy to have cereal for lunch or dinner when they don't feel like cooking. However, most name-brand breakfast cereals are loaded with refined sugar, which is notorious for causing health problems.
"Most cereals list sugar as the second or third ingredient," wrote registered dietitians at Healthline. "Breakfast cereals made with refined grains and sugars have a high glycemic index, which means they can cause a sharp spike in your post-meal blood sugar levels. Most people eat more than the daily recommended limit for added sugars, which can contribute to increased risk of several chronic diseases."
3. High Sodium Snacks
Although some people can't get through the day without a salty snack, keeping in mind just how much sodium you consume is quite crucial for your health, and frequently eating things like salty pretzels, chips, etc., can take a toll on it.
"Excess sodium is linked to high blood pressure, strokes, heart enlargement and heart attacks, autoimmune disease, kidney disease, and stomach cancer," says Dr. Fuhrman.
As you go on about your days, try to keep track of how many different things you snack on throughout the day and just how much sodium is in them. Or, create your own snacks where you can control the level of salt you add to them, like a bowl of edamame, popcorn, etc.
4. Commercial Baked Goods
When you're out and about at the grocery store, it can be super tempting to pick up a container of pastries, like muffins or croissants, from the bakery section that both look delicious and are easy to fill your cart with. They make a fun treat every once in a while, but consuming these baked goods, which are often overly processed, can add up and hurt your health.
"Overall, regular consumption of pastry cakes can disrupt gut health, promote inflammation, and increase the risk of various health problems, emphasizing the importance of choosing more nutrient-dense options for both gut health and overall well-being," says Lisa Richards, nutritionist and founder of the Candida Diet.
