We know: ultra-processed industrial foods (such as prepared meals, ready-made sauces, junk food, sodas, etc.) are generally bad for your health. Generally too fatty, too sweet and/or too salty, they promote the development of chronic diseases – such as obesity, diabetes or even high blood pressure.
But according to a recent study presented at the European and International Conference on Obesity (ECOICO 2020), these industrial foods would also accelerate the aging of the body…
To reach this conclusion, the researchers recruited 886 Spanish volunteers aged 55 and over. These were categorized into 4 groups, from highest consumers of ultra-processed foods (3 or more servings per day) to lowest (less than 2 servings per day). Participants then provided saliva samples for genetic analysis.
A “poor” diet can lead to telomere shortening
Results ? According to the scientists, who published their work in theAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutritionpeople who consume a lot of ultra-processed industrial products would be about twice as likely to have short telomeres.
Telomeres, kezako? We speak of “telomere” to designate the end of a chromosome: telomeres thus have the role of protecting the chromosomes, but also of guaranteeing the stability and integrity of the genetic heritage (that is to say: DNA) of the body.
With age, telomeres naturally shorten. However, phenomena can cause accelerated shortening of telomeres, therefore premature aging of the cells that make up the body – according to this study, junk food and ultra-processed industrial foods would be part of it. What if we took advantage of the start of the school year to adopt a healthy and balanced diet?
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