The Hidden (and DEADLY) Cost of Convenience
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 25, 2024
In our fast-paced, modern world, we’re always on the go, juggling work, family, and social obligations.
The frantic pace leaves little time for home-cooked meals. As a result, convenience has become king.
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) swoop in to save the day. They beckon us with their bright packaging and promise of ready-to-eat, instant gratification. And let’s be honest, they can be quite tasty, too.
But little do you know, they’re secretly plotting against your health, their ingredients conspiring to wreak havoc on your cells.
The truth is, regularly biting into UPFs can—and WILL—bite you back.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer recently concluded a large study that followed 450,111 adults for 14 years, collecting data on volunteer’s diets and lifestyles.
The researchers linked an increasing dependence on UPFs to a rising risk of certain cancers.
Eating 10 percent more UPFs was associated with an alarming…
- 23 percent higher risk for head and neck cancer and a
- 24 percent higher risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma.
A steady diet of these junk foods also leads to weight gain. And, of course, being overweight increases your cancer risk too.
But here’s the thing. Obesity alone does NOT account for this sharp increase. Instead, researchers suggest OTHER mechanisms could explain their link to cancer.
UPFs often contain a laundry list of cancer-linked chemicals.
This includes various additives INTENTIONALLY dumped into the food, including colors, preservatives, emulsifiers, and artificial sweeteners.
Plus, chemicals from their processing often leach into the foods. These include contaminants from plastic food packaging and the manufacturing process.
So, the next time you reach for a tempting ultra-processed treat, pause and remember that convenience can come at a DEADLY cost.
Instead, ditch the junk and opt for fresh, whole, minimally processed foods. It’s worth taking a little extra time to prepare them. After all, they could be the key to dodging killer cancer.
Need a quick on-the-go snack? Fruits and veggies work just as well as chips and candy bars.
They’re not only portable and tasty, but unlike UPFs, they could LOWER your cancer risk.
P.S. At the bottom of the list of ingredients for most ultra-processed foods is an item most folks aren’t familiar with. But this common food additive threatens your heart health.
Source:
Morales-Berstein, F., Biessy, C., Viallon, V. et al. Ultra-processed foods, adiposity and risk of head and neck cancer and oesophageal adenocarcinoma in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study: a mediation analysis. Eur J Nutr 63, 377–396 (2024). doi. org /10. 1007 / s00394-023-03270-1
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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