Processed Foods May Speed Up Aging, New Study Warns

A new study from Italy suggests that eating industrially processed foods, such as frozen pizza, can speed up your body’s internal aging clock. Researchers at the Mediterranean Neurological Institute analyzed data from more than 22,000 adults and published their findings this week in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Using advanced artificial-intelligence models and neural networks, the team examined 36 blood biomarkers to calculate each participant’s “biological age” and compared it with their chronological age. They discovered that when ultra-processed foods (UPFs) made up more than 14 percent of a person’s daily calories, biological age jumped ahead by about four months.

Processed meats accounted for the largest share of UPF intake (17.6 percent), followed by cakes and pastries, including frozen pizzas, at 14.2 percent. Sugary drinks such as fruit juices contributed another 10.9 percent.

Those who ate more UPFs tended to be younger, more educated, and more likely to live in large cities; they were also less physically active and had fewer chronic illnesses—patterns the authors attribute to their younger age group rather than to better health.

“Our choices at the table directly influence how fast we age,” the researchers warned. “It may be time to think twice before choosing your next meal.”

A freshly made pizza can be a healthier option when prepared with nutritious ingredients such as fresh vegetables, olive oil, and high-quality cheeses. Using natural, minimally processed foods delivers vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that support overall well-being and may help slow the aging process.