Study finds hot dogs and processed meats can shorten healthy life by up to 36 minutes per serving

A recent study conducted by the University of Michigan reveals that some favorite foods, including ultra-processed items like hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and soft drinks, might be shortening people's healthy life time. The study found that indulging in a cheeseburger could reduce a person's healthy life by nine minutes, while eating a hot dog could subtract 36 minutes from one's lifespan. If washed down with a carbonated drink, it could take another 12 minutes away, totaling 48 minutes of lifespan lost, according to a report by Mail Online.

The researchers classified over 5,800 types of American foods and evaluated their health impact by analyzing their components such as fats, calories, and sugars. The consumption of these foods "literally cuts" precious minutes from our lives with every bite we take, as reported by Proto Thema. The study showed how certain foods affect human lifespan, indicating that consuming specific foods can shorten a person's life by minutes or even hours.

"The need for dietary changes aimed at improving human health is clear," said Dr. Olivier Jolliet, the head of the University of Michigan study. "Our findings show that small, targeted substitutions can be a feasible and powerful strategy for achieving significant health and environmental benefits, without requiring drastic changes in diet," he added, according to Capital.

Experts assert that sausage products and similar foods that undergo intensive processing can cause serious health problems with regular consumption, according to Cursor Info. Processed meats like sausages, ham, and bacon often contain high concentrations of salt and various additives. Dietitians warn that frequent consumption of sausage can negatively affect lifespan, and doctors emphasize that sausages can negatively affect intestinal microflora.

Studies show that ultra-processed foods adversely affect the gut microbiome, a key parameter for overall health, Capital reports. Disruption of the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut can lead to inflammation, which is associated with various chronic diseases. Long-term consumption of processed meat products increases the risk of developing diseases such as atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease.

Overconsumption of ultra-processed foods negatively affects appetite regulation because they are low in fiber and satiety-inducing components, leading to increased calorie consumption. Research shows that the content and structure of ultra-processed foods may contribute to the development of addictive behavior, making it difficult for consumers to reduce their consumption.

A study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine showed that those who consume large amounts of ultra-processed foods have an increased risk of death from any cause, with a 21% higher risk reported, according to Capital. Another study published in The BMJ revealed that a daily increase in the consumption of ultra-processed foods by 10% is associated with a 12% increase in the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

While enjoying a hamburger occasionally is not lethal, making it a habit could have significant consequences for health. Although fast food is convenient, the study shows that life expectancy could depend on more conscious and balanced choices.

On the other hand, not all research results are negative. Consuming peanut butter and jelly sandwiches appeared to add 32 minutes of healthy life, as reported by Mail Online. Certain species of fish can extend lifespan, with some types extending life by as much as 32 minutes.

According to the study, replacing a daily serving of processed red meat with healthier protein sources, such as legumes, tofu, or fish, can increase healthy life minutes and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, La Nacion reports. Legumes, such as lentils and chickpeas, are good for health due to their fiber and plant protein content, and scientists recommended increasing the intake of plant-based proteins such as beans, peas, and lentils.

Doctors recommend cutting back on ultra-processed foods, especially carbonated drinks and processed meat, and adopting a more mindful, health-conscious approach to eating, according to Cursor Info.

Even small changes, such as replacing white bread with whole grain bread or white rice with brown rice, can have a significant impact on health, La Nacion reports. Whole grains contain more fiber and nutrients, contributing to better digestion and a lower risk of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq