Hot Dogs To Fizzy Drinks: Study Reveals Fast Foods That Cut Minutes Of Your Life
A study by the University of Michigan revealed that eating just one hot dog could take away 36 minutes from your lifespan.
We all love to indulge in fast food now and then. Whether it's a fizzy Coke on a hot day or mouthwatering hot dogs after a long day, fast foods are convenient, tasty, and comforting, but they might be costing you more than just calories. A new study from the University of Michigan has revealed shocking facts about some of these tasty fast foods. The study claimed that a glass of fizzy drink or a quick bite of a hot dog might take minutes of your life.
One hot dog could take away 36 minutes from your lifespan, while drinking a single can of fizzy, sugary soda could shorten your life by 12 minutes, the study said. It highlighted that breakfast sandwiches and eggs may reduce life expectancy by 13 minutes each, whereas cheeseburgers by 9 minutes and bacon by 6 minutes.
Researchers came to these conclusions after analysing over 5,800 foods and looking at the nutritional value of each of them and their link to diseases. They aimed to understand how diet affects life expectancy in measurable ways. Their findings revealed that although these ultra-processed foods are convenient and tasty, they are the real culprits to blame for a growing number of health problems.
These ultra-processed foods are factory-made items loaded with refined sugar, unhealthy fats, salt, preservatives, and other artificial additives, which make them life-threatening if consumed every day over a long period.
Previously, the British Medical Journal published a major study regarding the major risks caused by processed foods. Some of the key findings of the study include
However, on the bright side, the University of Michigan study highlighted some foods that could add time to your life. For instance, nutrient-rich fish, which may add 32 minutes to your lifespan per serving. Additionally, fresh fruits, legumes, vegetables, nuts, and a variety of healthy cheeses are also great choices.
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July 12, 2025, 19:45 IST
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