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Pizza is one of the most popular comfort foods worldwide, loved for its delicious blend of crispy crust, and melty cheese. However, while it can be a tasty treat enjoyed occasionally, frequent consumption of pizza can now lead to biological ageing. A new study shows that frozen pizza and other highly processed snacks could be doing more than just making you gain weight. It claims that these foods may accelerate your biological ageing by up to four months.
What Does The Study Say?
Researchers at the IRCCS Neuromed Mediterranean Neurological Institute found that people who eat a lot of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) show signs of faster biological ageing. The study was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. It compared those who consume fewer of these heavily processed foods. The research involved over 22,000 adults from the Molise region of Italy. It revealed a concerning link between high ultra-processed food consumption and accelerated biological ageing.
The study says that participants who ate the most ultra-processed foods showed signs of biological ageing that were about four months faster than those who ate the least. It was more than 14% of their total food by weight.
What Is Biological Ageing?
Biological ageing is the natural process where the body changes over time, leading to a gradual decline in function. Unlike just getting older by the calendar, biological ageing involves changes at the cellular level. Cells can lose their ability to divide and work properly, and telomeres. It protects chromosomes and shortens with each cell division. The immune system weakens, making us more prone to illness, and metabolism slows, which can lead to weight gain and other issues.
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How Does It Affect Health?
The increased biological ageing makes the body more prone to diseases and reduces its ability to recover from damage. As cells age, they lose their ability to function properly, leading to a decline in organ performance and overall body function. This can result in common age-related health issues like muscle weakness, joint pain, and skin problems.
Additionally, the damage to cells and tissues over time can increase the risk of developing serious health problems like heart disease, certain cancers, and cognitive decline. Overall, biological ageing can reduce the quality of life and increase vulnerability to various health issues as we age.
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Takeaway
However, while frozen pizza is a beloved comfort food, its frequent consumption can have serious health implications. A recent study highlights a troubling link between a high intake of ultra-processed foods and accelerated biological ageing. With evidence suggesting that such diets can lead to biological ageing that is four months faster, it becomes clear that moderation is key.
Biological ageing affects not just how we feel, but also our overall health and resilience against diseases. Therefore, it's important to be careful about our overall diet. Choosing healthier options can help reduce the risks of biological ageing and support better health in the long run.