Hold up—did you know that just one cane of soft drink can take 12 minutes off your life? Yup, you read that right. A new study from the University of Michigan has just dropped some shocking news about what we eat and how it affects our lifespan. Spoiler: Your favorite fast food might not be doing you any favors.
The study reveals that ultra-processed foods—think artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and other funky ingredients—can actually shorten your life if you go overboard. We’re talking about the stuff we all love, but maybe shouldn’t eat all the time.
Here’s the wild part: A hot dog could steal 36 minutes from your life, and if you pair it with a soda, you’re losing another 12 minutes. That’s 48 minutes gone in one sitting! And it doesn’t stop there. Those sandwiches and eggs you love for breakfast? They could shave off 13 minutes. Cheese and burgers? Another 9 minutes down the drain.
But hey, it’s not all doom and gloom. The study also found that certain types of fish can actually add 28 minutes to your life. Yup, you read that correctly—fish = life extension.
Dr. Oliver Juliette, who led the study, says we seriously need to rethink our food choices if we want to live longer, healthier lives. While pizza, burgers, mac and cheese, hot dogs, and sodas are practically made to cut your life short, natural foods like fish can actually help you live longer.
Some types of fish could even add 32 minutes to your lifespan. And here’s another fun fact: Cheese like cheddar and brie might help prevent liver cancer and boost your longevity. Who knew?
So, what’s the takeaway? If you want to live your best, longest life, it’s time to ditch the ultra-processed foods and add more natural options to your diet. Your future self will thank you!