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.
View More Free Articles
Two-Week Diet Switch Transforms Your Health
You know how you feel sluggish and “off” after a vacation filled with fast foods and processed snacks? Well, it’s not all in your head (or merely guilt). When you switch to an unhealthy Western-style diet, there are physical consequences—and they kick in faster than you might think… The Western diet is characterized by ultra-processed...
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...
Can Your “Poop Schedule” Predict Disease?
We all do it. If you’re alive, you poop. Some of us are so regular that we could set a clock based on our bathroom habits. Others, not so much. And yet, talking about bowel movements remains one of those taboo topics. Even your doctor skims over it during your annual checkup! But the truth...