Nowadays many of us are increasingly moving towards packaged and ready-to-eat products. They are convenient to eat and easily available, but recent research has shown that some common preservatives used in some food items can be harmful to our health. Two large studies, conducted in France and published in the British Medical Journal and Nature Communications, analyzed the diet and health data of more than 1 lakh adults between 2009 and 2023. This study was conducted under the NutriNet-Sant group and its objective was to understand whether long-term consumption of these preservatives increases the risk of serious diseases like cancer and type 2 diabetes.

What are ultra-processed foods?

Ultra-processed foods are those that are prepared in factories. These usually contain too much sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, while having very little essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. These products also often contain additives such as preservatives, emulsifiers and stabilizers. These are such chemicals which are rarely used in normal household food.

What did the research find?

The research examined 17 common preservatives, which included substances such as potassium sorbate, sodium nitrite and acetic acid. All these are commonly found in packaged foods sold in India. Excessive consumption of potassium sorbate can increase the risk of overall cancer by 14 percent and the risk of breast cancer by 26 percent. Sulfites increased overall cancer risk by 12 percent. Sodium nitrite was found to increase the risk of prostate cancer by 32 percent. Potassium nitrate and acetic acid intake linked to overall cancer and breast cancer.

However, researchers clarified that it is too early to say that consumption of these preservatives is a direct cause of cancer. This requires more in-depth study. But it is definitely believed that these chemicals can increase inflammation and oxidative stress in the body and can affect the intestinal microbiota, which can increase the risk of cancer and other diseases.

Indian Preservatives

The packaged food market is growing rapidly in India. Experts say these findings further reinforce that the modern diet pattern, which is based mostly on ultra-processed food, can be harmful to health. Experts say that based on these results, it is necessary to conduct immediate regulatory review and increase public awareness. He says that ultra-processed foods have already been found to be linked to about 32 health problems including metabolic and mental disorders, untimely death.

How do preservatives cause harm?

Preservatives are added to food items mainly to prevent them from spoiling and to increase their shelf life. But experts say they can also affect the natural structure of food. When this structure is disrupted, even healthy nutrients can have harmful effects. Many preservatives can cause multiple levels of inflammation, oxidative stress and disturbance in the gut microbiota in the body over a long period of time.

What can be done?

Researchers suggest that regulators should strictly monitor and make rules on the use of preservatives. Till then, consumers are advised to eat as much fresh and less processed food as possible. Policy action regarding ultra-processed food has started in many countries of the world. TV and online advertising has been banned in Britain for the safety of children. The US updated its diet guidelines and advised people to prioritize fresh and less processed foods over packaged products.

Also read: Why do babies have birthmarks at the time of birth? What do doctors say about this?

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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With increasing age many types of problems start occurring in the eyes. In which cataract is considered a common problem. In this disease, the natural lens of the eyes gradually starts becoming cloudy, due to which the vision becomes weak. Generally age and genetic reasons are considered responsible for this. But doctors say that diet and lifestyle also have a big impact on eyesight. According to a report by America’s National Institute of Health, people who eat food high in sodium and fat have a higher risk of cataract than those who eat healthy food. Let us now tell you how wrong eating habits affect eyesight and what things you should avoid for this.

Risk of cataract due to processed and fried food

Unhealthy fats present in things like fried chicken, packaged snacks, chips and fast food have a bad effect on the eye cells. These fats increase oxidative stress and inflammation. Due to which the protein present in the lens of the eyes weakens and makes your vision blurry. If fresh vegetables, whole grains and protein-rich food are eaten instead of these fried and processed foods, then the eye cells are better protected from free radical damage.

Too much sugar is also a danger to the eyes

Sweet food or drinks increase blood sugar level. Eating such things for a long time damages the proteins of the eye lens. Due to which vision gradually starts becoming blurred. These sweet things include things like soda, candy, pastries or flavored yogurt which can be harmful for the eyes. In such a situation, you can leave them and eat natural sweets like fruits.

Red and processed meat is also a danger to the eyes

Eating things like beef, sausage, hot dogs and bacon for a long time increases oxidative stress in the body. The saturated fats, chemicals and preservatives present in them affect the health of the eyes as well as the heart. If you cannot avoid these things then you can replace them with chicken, fish, pulses or other plant based proteins which are also beneficial for your eyes.

Too much salt is also dangerous for eyes

Salt disturbs the fluid balance of the body. Due to which the balance of fluid in the lens gets disturbed and blurring may occur. In such a situation, things with high salt like canned soup, frozen dinner, deli meat and snacks should be avoided. In their place, eating homemade food with fresh spices or herbs is beneficial for the eyes.

Danger from refined food and excess alcohol

Refined items like white bread, pasta and pastries increase blood sugar rapidly, which starts the glycation process which occurs due to sugar. At the same time, drinking too much alcohol dehydrates the body and increases oxidative stress. Due to which it can damage the lens. In such a situation, whole grains, adequate water and limited amount of alcohol are better for the eyes.

Also read: These are the 10 most dangerous foods in the world, if you eat them even by mistake, death is certain.

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The problem of diabetes has become common between poor lifestyle and wrong eating. People are suffering from this disease at an early age. Diabetes is understood that it is considered just a physical disease, but this disease has a profound effect on the mental state with lifestyle, it is not only limited to insulin or medicines, but the disease gradually affects mental health.

Today there are more than 10 crore diabetes patients in India and this number is increasing continuously. It is a matter of great concern that the effect of this disease is also visible on the mind and mind. Constant blood sugar checks, control on catering, pressure of medicines and future stress together lead to stress, enforcement and depression. In such a situation, today we tell you how diabetes mental health is also spoiling and how it is causing depression.

Diabetes and Mental Health

The risk of depression among people suffering from diabetes is 2 to 3 times more than normal people. About 30 percent of the people struggling with diabetes have mental problems in some form or the other. People with type-1 diabetes are seen to have more mental problems and disorder related to food. The problem of Binj eating is common in women due to type-2 diabetes. Sugar level fluctuations cause mood swings, irritability and difficulty in thinking.

How does diabetes spoil mental health?

1. Diabetes Stress – This is a situation in which the patient starts feeling that he is unable to handle his illness. Everyday blood sugar check, time of medicines, avoiding food, all things like eating are mentally exhausted to the person.

2. Oxidative stress and hormonal changes – In diabetes, oxidative stress in the body increases and some essential hormones such as serotonin and dopamine are imbalances. These hormones control our mood and mental health. When their balance deteriorates, the possibility of anxiety and depression increases.

3. Fear about future – Many patients start to fear that their condition does not deteriorate and does not deteriorate like heart problem, kidney failure, or eye light, this fear takes the form of chronic anxiety after a time.

How is diabetes depression?

Diabetes patient has to check blood sugar every day. Drugs have to be taken on time, eating and drinking has to be controlled# Exercise, doing all this continuously leads to mental fatigue, which makes the person feel stress and anxiety. Apart from this, when blood sugar is too much or very low, there are irritability, fatigue, lack of attention and mood swings. All these symptoms affect the mental health, and make the person mentally weak. At the same time, changes in lifestyle such as quitting food of choice, avoiding sweet, caution in walking and eating, obstructing work, this makes the person feel that he is being controlled which causes stress and depression.

How to avoid depression in diabetes?

1. Get Mental Health Checkup – Just as regular checkup of sugar is done, mental health screening is also necessary. This can cause the problem to be detected quickly.

2. Take therapy – CBT is quite effective in depression and anxiety. Apart from this, family counseling is also helpful so that your family also understands your situation.

3. Follow yoga, meditation and relaxation – They help in keeping the body and mind calm. Pranayama and Anulom-Antonym are particularly beneficial in yoga.

4. Regular exercise and correct catering – Exercise releases endorphin which improves the mood. Also keep a balance with diet so that there is no feeling much pressure on yourself.

Also read: Digital retail therapy: online shopping to reduce stress? Know what is digital retail therapy

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