1. Milk

Saturated fats are found in whole milk increasing the risk of heart disease and rheumatism. Opt for skim or non-fat milk when possible.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

2. Sausages and processed meats

The high levels of fats and sodium found in sausages and processed meats can cause circulation problems and increase the risk of heart disease.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

3. Store-bought pies and sweets

The proportion of sugar found in store-bought pies and sweets can cause rapid weight gain, which can later lead to dental issues and heart problems.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

4. Canned fruit

Fruits are healthy! But canned fruit packaged with syrup, are less so, as they contain large amounts of sugar that can make put stress on the body and make you age faster.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

5. Artificial sweeteners

It’s true that artificial sweeteners contain fewer calories than real sugar, but don’t forget—they’re artificial aka not made from natural ingredients. Not only that, they can have a negative impact on our digestive system and metabolism.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

6. Microwave popcorn

Avoid microwave popcorn varieties that are prepared with artificial butter and other unnatural ingredients. The more “fake” things you put into your body, the worse the effects can be in the long-run.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

7. Partially hydrogenated oils

Partially hydrogenated oils are most commonly found in processed foods. They are a huge source of unhealthy trans fats, and they also spread inflammation in your body. Inflammation triggers the creation of free radicals, which can damage your DNA, inflict disease on the affected cells or even kill them.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

8. Processed sauces and condiments

Processed sauces and condiments such as ketchup, mayonnaise, store-bought salad dressings, etc. contain large amounts of sugar, salt and preservatives, which are known to lead to heart disease, among other problems. They certainly won’t keep your body young and healthy!




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

9. Fried foods

It’s kind of a no-brainer that fried foods aren’t good for you. When food is fried at extremely high temperatures, it releases free radicals that damage your skin cells. Not to mention, the high sodium content removes water from the skin, causing it to become dry and dehydrated—prime conditions for wrinkles to form.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

10. Genetically modified soybeans and corn

Past studies have been conducted with laboratory rats being fed genetically modified grains. The rodents ended up suffering tumors, kidney accidents and liver damage. They are known to cause accelerated aging and should be avoided as much as possible.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

11. Chemically treated fruits

Pesticides help keep fruits looking fresh for longer and fight insects that attack them. But those same pesticides become particularly worrisome as we age, due to our body’s diminishing ability to get rid of them. They can speed up aging of the kidneys or liver, have harmful interactions with medications in the body and build up to levels that cause injuries more easily.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

12. Flour

Plain white flour has a high glycemic index, which causes inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is directly linked to aging, so opt for whole wheat flours or other non-refined flours as much as possible.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

12. Bacon

Bacon contains nitrates, which help to conserve cured meats, but they also happen to be associated with higher numbers of deaths from age-related illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. On top of that, its high sodium content deprives the skin of hydration and provokes inflammation.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

13. Carbonated beverages

Carbonated drinks typically contain high amounts of sugar, which can lead to nervous system problems and obesity. The stress that these issues put on your body makes everything age quicker and weakens your defenses against disease and other age-related issues.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

15. Fast food

It’s no surprise that fast food is a major culprit when it comes to speeding up the aging process. Many of your favorite menu items contain large amounts of sugar, fat, artificial ingredients and chemicals, which all contribute to obesity, heart attacks and diabetes.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

16. Coffee

If you’re a major coffee addict, you might consider rolling back your consumption asap or switching over to tea for a healthier alternative. Drinking caffeine later in the day can negatively affect the quality of your sleep, which leads to accelerated aging and a more haggard appearance.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

17. Canned foods

Canning tins are coated with Bisphenol-A to prevent rust. This substance is highly toxic and can lead to hormonal problems and heart disease. Fortunately, this substance is banned in several countries. It’s also prohibited in baby bottles and other plastic products.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

18. Frozen processed foods

Frozen processed foods are full of preservatives, sodium and sugar. All of these things can cause inflammation in the body, making it age faster.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

19. Alcohol

Alcohol is known to alter our mood and boost our confidence temporarily. Meanwhile, it’s poisoning our liver, attacking cells that participate in the detoxification process, and slowing down the liver’s purification process. Just take a look at before and after photos of people who gave up drinking, and you’ll instantly see the difference.




Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.


20/20 SLIDES