A new study from the University of Michigan has revealed shocking facts about some of our favourite everyday foods. That fizzy can of Coke or a quick bite of a hot dog might be taking minutes, if not years, from your life.
According to the study, eating just one hot dog could shorten your lifespan by 36 minutes. Drinking a single can of Coke could cost you 12 minutes. The findings further revealed that breakfast sandwiches and eggs may reduce life expectancy by 13 minutes each, cheeseburgers by 9 minutes, and bacon by 6 minutes.
Researchers came to these conclusions after analysing over 5,800 foods. They looked at the nutritional value of each item, its link to disease, and its environmental impact. Their goal was to understand how diet affects life expectancy in real, measurable ways.
The big culprits? Ultra-processed foods (UPFs). These are factory-made items packed with refined sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, preservatives, and artificial additives. While they’re convenient and tasty, UPFs are being increasingly blamed for a growing number of health problems.
Earlier this year, the British Medical Journal published another major study linking UPFs to serious health risks. Some key findings:
- 50 per cent higher risk of dying from heart-related diseases
- 48–53 per cent greater risk of mental health issues like anxiety and depression
- 12 per cent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes
- Up to 66 per cent greater chance of getting heart disease
Experts say these numbers back up long-standing warnings against the so-called “Western diet,” which focuses heavily on processed, packaged, and fast foods. Worryingly, this eating style is now becoming common around the world, including in India.
However, it’s not all bad news. The same University of Michigan study also identified foods that could add time to your life. For example, nutrient-rich fish may increase life expectancy by 32 minutes per serving. Fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts are also life-extending choices.
Interestingly, even some cheeses like cheddar and brie, often criticised for their fat content, may actually be good for you. These fermented cheeses contain unique bacteria and nutrients that could help protect against diseases like liver cancer.
The study also raised concerns about sugary drinks, especially Coke. A single can has around 39 grams of sugar, more than the daily limit recommended by the American Heart Association. Excess sugar intake is known to cause obesity, insulin resistance, and heart problems. That 12-minute life reduction from a Coke isn’t just a guess; it’s based on real data about how sugar affects the body.
Perhaps the most alarming finding is how normal these foods have become. Fast food, fizzy drinks, and packaged meals are often seen as affordable and convenient, especially for people living in fast-paced cities or low-income areas. But the real cost, measured in minutes of lost life and rising healthcare bills, is far greater than most people realise.
Health experts warn that the overconsumption of UPFs isn’t just a personal problem, it’s a public health crisis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), non-communicable diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer now cause 74 per cent of deaths globally, and our diets play a big role in that.