You might think your favorite snacks are harmless, but some everyday foods could be secretly speeding up the aging process. Neuroscientist Robert Love explains that certain popular choices don’t just affect your waistline—they can also take a toll on your skin, collagen, and overall health.
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1. Soda
Up first, Love explained that soda "is so bad for you" and can make you "look older" because it contains "a lot of sugar in it and no fiber." He noted that drinking it causes you to "spike your blood sugar really high."
This, he added, "accelerates aging because it accelerates weight gain and creates inflammation in the body." Love emphasized that inflammation is one of the "primary causes" of premature aging skin.
Regularly consuming sugary sodas can speed up the aging process by shortening telomeres, damaging collagen and elastin, and potentially triggering other health issues that contribute to faster aging.
2. French Fries
Love describes French fries as a "double whammy" because they "cause aging" due to being "high in salt, and excess salt dehydrates you." Love explained that they are "deep fried in oil," and when foods are "cooked at high heat" like this, it can produce AGEs.
Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) are harmful compounds that form when sugars combine with proteins or fats in the body or in food. Love emphasized that dehydration is one of the "primary causes of premature aging of the skin and wrinkling."
He also advised that you "want to make sure that you're well hydrated" if luminous, radiant skin is your goal, and recommended avoiding salty foods like French fries.
The bottom line
Soda and French fries may seem like simple indulgences, but their high sugar, salt, and cooking methods can trigger inflammation, dehydration, and harmful compounds that accelerate aging. Cutting back on these and staying well-hydrated can help protect your skin and keep you looking youthful longer.
