By reducing the intake of ultra-processed foods and maintaining a balanced diet, older adults can improve several key indicators of aging.
This is the conclusion of researchers from South Dakota State University, whose findings were published in the journal Clinical Nutrition.
What Did the Study Show?
Manufacturers of (UPF) use emulsifiers, flavorings, colorings, and preservatives. Common examples of these foods include packaged snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and certain types of processed meats. Researchers have long warned about the link between a diet high in UPF and deteriorating health. Now, a university team led by Professor Maul Day has investigated the impact of these products on aging.
The study involved 43 Americans aged 65 and older, many of whom suffered from obesity or metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and high cholesterol. Seven volunteers chose to withdraw from the study before its completion.
Over eight weeks, participants followed two low-UPF diets. One included lean red meat (pork), while the other was vegetarian and allowed for milk and eggs. For two weeks between the diets, volunteers returned to their usual eating habits.
In both diets, the proportion of calories from ultra-processed foods was less than 15 percent of the total intake. This is significantly lower compared to the typical American diet, which often derives over 50 percent of calories from UPF.
The diets were designed so that participants did not have to change their lifestyle significantly, including limiting . Both dietary plans favored minimally processed ingredients and adhered to U.S. government recommendations for healthy eating.
During the periods when study participants consumed fewer ultra-processed foods, they consumed fewer calories and lost weight, reducing both total and abdominal fat. Volunteers also showed significant improvements in insulin sensitivity, healthier cholesterol levels, reduced inflammation markers, and favorable changes in hormones that help regulate appetite and metabolism.
These improvements were consistent among participants in both groups, as reported by Science Alert.
Why This Matters
While ultra-processed foods are convenient and widely available, researchers increasingly link their consumption to obesity and age-related chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
As the proportion of on the planet continues to rise, ensuring healthy aging is crucial. Maintaining metabolic health is particularly important for older adults, as it helps preserve mobility and quality of life.
It remains unclear whether older adults can reduce their UPF intake in daily life without professional intervention. Additionally, the specific additives in these products that most negatively impact aging have yet to be fully studied.
According to Professor Day, new research is needed to answer these questions. Their findings will help manufacturers create healthier yet convenient food products.
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