US-based cardiologist says these 4 foods can shorten your lifespan, ditch them from your life

If you are a fitness enthusiast, you would know that exercise alone is not enough to be healthy. What you eat also influences your fitness levels and longevity. While you may know about foods that you should consume, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, there are others you should avoid or consume in moderation.

Dr Jeremy London, a US-based board-certified cardiovascular surgeon, took to his Instagram account and shared four foods that are proven to shorten lifespan.

Alcohol

The cardiologist called it a “crowd favourite” and advised that avoiding it is best for a longer lifespan. Alcohol is known to give temporary pleasure but has terrible long-term consequences for health. It is toxic to every cell in the body and affects almost every organ. It increases the risk of liver diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, among others.

Also read | Longevity expert shares 5 foods to add to your daily diet to avoid surprise heart attack

Processed meats

Hot dogs, deli meats are some examples of processed meats, Dr London cited. These contain saturated fats, sodium, and preservatives that do more damage than you think. While they may be pleasing to the taste buds and a convenient option, they increase the risk of chronic diseases significantly when consumed regularly.

Sugary drinks

Sugary drinks such as bottled juices, sodas, and others are delicious but also unhealthy. Their high sugar content and excessive calories make them a terrible choice, especially for people with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes and obesity. “These are empty calories and they never make you feel full,” Dr London warned.

Also read | Longevity expert Bryan Johnson warns this one bad habit is harming your liver

Saturated fats

Think of high-fat meat, butter, and high-fat dairy. These foods raise “bad cholesterol” (LDL) levels, increasing the chances of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke. It’s thus best to stay away from them.

Finally, he addressed how your diet should look most of the time. “I understand that life gets in the way and it’s difficult to follow a nutritional plan. For me personally, 80 per cent of the time, it’s a win.”

“Now understand what you want to shoot for is reducing these things, living in moderation. What you want to avoid is having any or all of these things foundational in your nutritional plan,” he concluded.

​Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.