Scientists are increasingly emphasizing that diet is a fundamental pillar for maintaining better health and, therefore, living longer without illness. And while there are almost daily scientific and technological advances, there are still areas we could improve, primarily in our diet, as longevity expert Dan Buettner points out. There are four ‘foods’ that Buettner recommends not having at home: sugary drinks or sodas, salty snacks like potato chips or crackers, sweets or candies, and processed meats.
Foods like sausages and ground meat products are among those Buettner advises against bringing into our homes
“These are the four foods that shouldn’t enter your home,” begins the video featuring the protagonist of this story. He discusses ultra-processed foods that are heavily advertised and whose ease of availability and preparation makes them readily available to consumers. Foods like sausages and ground meat products are among those Buettner advises against bringing into our homes. The fact is that advancements in medicine and healthcare, technological development, and improvements in nutrition, as well as in the factors contributing to a healthy lifestyle, have been key to this shift.
Sugary drinks are among the beverages that are least recommended. Soft drinks contain a large amount of free sugars, which are a risk factor for obesity and diabetes, something that also applies to candies and sweets. Another food that the expert advises against including in the diet, even as an occasional treat, are fruit juices and soft drinks. Essentially, they are sugary beverages. Therefore, before buying these types of drinks, it is important to carefully read the ingredients.
Potato chips and fried nuts are examples of foods we shouldn’t include in our diet
On the other hand, salty snacks have always been on the list of foods to consume in moderation. The high sodium content they contain can raise blood pressure, and they are also empty calories with no real nutritional value. Potato chips and fried nuts are examples of foods we shouldn’t include in our diet, not even occasionally, according to the expert. These snacks, along with sugary drinks, are responsible for a very high risk of cardiovascular problems, obesity, dental and bone problems, and, in more serious cases, liver and kidney damage. Therefore, eliminating their consumption is almost a priority.
Processed meats are another food that should be consumed in moderation. Clearly, as with everything else, their consumption is safe, but only if done occasionally and in moderation, without excess. And one important point is for people to be aware of the origin of the food they consume. This way, we can choose the best foods to nourish our bodies.
To maintain good health, it’s advisable to increase fiber intake, as well as fruit and vegetables
Excessive consumption of these types of foods has been associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses, as mentioned above. Ingesting these foods, as well as sweets, can also have a significant impact on the liver due to the high-fructose corn syrup and other high-fructose ingredients. Furthermore, these sweets are designed to be addictive, so it’s common to see children asking for and demanding candy after trying it for the first time. The additives make them more palatable than a piece of broccoli, for example.
Buettner is particularly emphatic on this point. Commercially produced baked goods are very harmful to health. According to various studies, they can lead to the development of metabolic syndrome and, in many cases, diabetes. In fact, to maintain good health, it’s advisable to increase fiber intake, which helps control blood sugar and reduces cholesterol levels, as well as calcium and vitamin D. It’s also important not to eliminate a variety of fruits and vegetables from your diet.