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
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...