As we all know, indulging in a sweet treat can be one of life's little pleasures, especially for those of us who've earned the right to spoil ourselves from time to time. But, as with many good things, moderation is key. A recent study has shed light on the not-so-sweet side of our sugary indulgences, revealing that our daily dessert habit may be doing more harm than we realize.

The study, conducted by researchers at Monash University in Melbourne, has found that consuming ultra-processed foods – the category that many of our beloved treats fall into – can significantly accelerate the ageing process. The research, which analyzed the diets of 16,000 people in the US, discovered a startling correlation between the consumption of these foods and an increase in biological age.

For those who may not be familiar with the term, biological age refers to how old your body seems based on its condition and function, as opposed to chronological age, which is simply the number of years you've been alive. Lifestyle choices and genetics play a crucial role in determining our biological age, and it turns out that our diet is a major factor.

A Melbourne University study has found that eating just one chocolate bar or packet of chips daily can age a person's biological clock by several months. Credit: Denny Muller / Unsplash

The Monash University study revealed that if just 10 percent of a standard 2000 calorie adult diet is made up of ultra-processed foods – think biscuits, fizzy drinks, instant noodles, and yes, that daily chocolate bar or packet of chips – a person's biological clock could age by as much as 2.4 months. To put it into perspective, adding an extra 200 calories of ultra-processed food to your diet could lead to your biological ageing process advancing by more than two months compared to your chronological age.

Dr. Barbara Cardoso, the lead researcher, pointed out that while the adverse health effects of ultra-processed foods are well-known, the connection between these foods and biological ageing has been under-investigated. 'By increasing biological age to that extent, we can increase mortality by 2 percent,' Cardoso explained. This is a sobering thought for those of us who regularly reach for a quick snack without considering the long-term implications.

Ultra-processed foods are not just limited to sweets; they also include chips, carbonated drinks, ice cream, ready-to-eat meals, sausages, burgers, chicken and fish nuggets, and even some packaged snacks and energy bars. Alarmingly, these foods represent almost 40 percent of the total energy intake among Australian adults.

The study also suggested that higher exposure to packaging chemicals and compounds formed by ultra-processed foods may be another factor contributing to advanced biological ageing. Additionally, a lower intake of whole foods rich in plant nutrients called phytoestrogens could also play a role in the findings.

So, what can we do to combat this silent destroyer of health? The experts recommend a diet free of processed foods as the best option. However, they also found that maintaining an overall healthy diet can help offset the negative impact of occasional indulgences in ultra-processed foods.

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, it's important to be mindful of our dietary choices. While it's perfectly fine to treat ourselves now and then, being aware of the potential long-term effects of our eating habits is crucial. Opting for whole foods, fresh fruits, and vegetables, and minimizing the intake of ultra-processed foods can help us maintain not just a younger biological age but also a healthier and more vibrant life.

Key Takeaways

• A Melbourne University study has found that consuming just one chocolate bar or packet of chips daily can age a person's biological clock by several months.
• The research by Monash University looked at 16,000 people's diets in the US and discovered that ultra-processed foods might accelerate biological ageing by as much as 2.4 months if they make up 10 per cent of one's diet.
• Ultra-processed foods, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of total energy intake among Australian adults, include items such as biscuits, fizzy drinks, instant noodles, ready-to-eat meals, and sugar-laden snacks.
• The study suggests that higher exposure to packaging chemicals and consumption of fewer whole foods with plant nutrients may also be factors contributing to accelerated biological ageing, although an overall healthy diet might offset some of the negative impacts of processed foods.

We'd love to hear from you, our dear readers. Have you noticed a difference in your health when cutting down on ultra-processed foods? Do you have any tips for satisfying a sweet tooth in a healthier way? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

 

[Macarj]

As with any food just don't over do it don't eat 3 bars of chocolate as you wouldn't eat 3 large dinners

 

[Colette 3799]

I avoid sugar - usually. Between Christmas and new year I have been shocking. I recon I’ve gone into the mindset of eating everything so it doesn’t get thrown out. Yesterday I felt I didn’t need to do that anymore. We had friends over for a barby and I made a cheesecake for dessert and everyone was asking why I didn’t eat any. I just felt enough is enough. I ate from the fruit platter instead. Hopefully I’m over my little glitch now

 

[mOiOz]

I should be dead by now!