How much junk food does an average American eat? A simple blood test has the answer
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
More than 57% of calories in the average American diet come from ultra-processed foods . These include chips, candy, soda, and ready-to-eat meals. Now, scientists have developed a blood test that can measure how much of this food a person really eats.For years, researchers relied on food diaries and surveys to understand diets. But those methods are not always accurate. People forget, misreport, or don't notice how much processed food they eat.This new test changes that. Scientists can now find molecular markers in the blood that show how much ultra-processed food someone consumes. These markers include chemicals linked to additives like preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and colorings, all common in packaged and fast foods.The research was published in PLOS Medicine and included hundreds of participants. Their blood samples were tested and compared with their reported diets. The results matched: the more processed food someone ate, the higher the levels of specific markers in their blood.The test then gives each person a diet 'score' based on the amount of ultra-processed food in their system. A higher score means a higher intake.These high scores were also linked with serious health issues. People who consumed more ultra-processed food were more likely to have obesity, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and other signs of poor metabolic health.Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge, the study's lead author, said this test could be a 'game changer.' It provides an objective way to track diet quality, which could help doctors give better advice.Nutrition scientists are hopeful the test can help in more than just research. It could be used in clinics, health programs, and even in public health surveys to get a better idea of how diet impacts long-term health.However, the test is still new. Researchers say it needs more trials in different age groups and cultures before it becomes widely available.Ultra-processed food is a growing global issue. But in the U.S., the numbers are especially high. Many people don't realize just how much of their daily intake comes from these foods.This test might help people better understand their diets and possibly lead them to make healthier choices. It could also help public health experts track diet trends and target the most at-risk communities.In the future, your next health check-up might not just measure your cholesterol. It could also show you how much junk food is in your blood.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
44 minutes ago
- Time of India
With 30k capacity, MP jails housing 14k excess inmates
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh jails are currently facing a 50% overcrowding crisis. With a total capacity of 30,764 inmates, the jails are housing an excess of 14,820 prisoners. The state has 133 jails, including central jails, district jails, sub-jails, and open jails. The issue of overcrowding was raised during the recent monsoon session of the state assembly by BJP MLA Ashish Govind Sharma, who inquired about the total number of operational jails in the state, their capacity across various categories, and the current prisoner count. He also questioned whether prison staff receive training to provide immediate treatment for prisoners suffering from serious illnesses such as high blood pressure or diabetes, given that delays often occur due to procedural formalities before hospital transfer. The chief minister, who oversees the jail department along with home and other departments, responded in writing on Aug 5. As of June 30, 2025, Madhya Pradesh has 133 operational jails: 11 central, 41 district, 73 sub-jails, and eight open jails. The total inmate capacity stands at 30,764, but currently, the number of inmates exceeds this by 14,820. The response highlighted that sanctioned posts for doctors and paramedical staff are mostly filled in central and district jails. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo These medical personnel are equipped with devices for blood pressure and diabetes testing, making immediate testing available in these jails. Sub-jails with paramedical staff also have similar arrangements. In jails lacking such facilities, inmates receive urgent medical care if needed. Furthermore, jail staff and guards receive regular training in first aid and basic medical assessments. Officials also noted measures for managing overcrowding, including releasing prisoners on parole, providing financial assistance for those who can be released by paying nominal fines, and ensuring no prisoner remains incarcerated after serving their sentence. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
All eyes on MKCG after CM's AIIMS-Plus push
1 2 Berhampur: A day after chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that MKCG Medical College and Hospital would be made AIIMS-Plus, Ganjam district collector Keerthi Vasan V visited the 64-year-old govt medical college and hospital on Saturday and held discussion with officials about its existing infrastructure facilities. The collector directed medical college authorities to make emergency medicine management more patient-friendly by increasing its bed strength by at least 40. Presently, the bed strength of emergency medicine, known as the casualty ward, is 44. The present strength in casualty is not sufficient as the patient load is very high. "We have asked the superintendent to increase the bed strength by 40 more," said Vasan. During his Independence Day speech, CM Majhi announced that MKCG Medical College and Hospital would be made AIIMS-Plus. Once it is done, infrastructure facilities would be increased by doubling its bed strength to 3,000, sources said. The present bed strength is 1,579. A source said daily footfall in the outpatient department (OPD) is around 3,000, while indoor patient ward sees around 300. Durga Madhab Satapathy, superintendent of MKCG said they are planning to shift the 20-bed dengue ward, which is functioning near the emergency ward, to another location to accommodate more emergency patients. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Vasan also emphasised on the need to remove encroachments and parking areas inside the campus and the maintenance of hygienic conditions at the medical college and hospital. He directed engineers of the road and building department to prepare an action plan for the construction of a bypass road to facilitate public communication without entering the campus. At present, people of Bhabinipur, Lochapada and several other areas travel through the medical campus. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Krishna Janmashtami Wishes ,, messages , and quotes !
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Want to live past 100?: 5 simple secret habits from the world's longest-living people in 'Blue Zones'
What if the secret to living longer doesn't lie in expensive diets or intense workouts, but in just living, and coincidentally shared across distant corners of the globe? Surprisingly, that is the secret behind the concept of Blue Zones, regions where people often live past 100. And this is no miracle; instead, it's about the simple ways of living through everyday life. 27:30 Senior Living in India-- Myths, Realities & the Future of Purposeful Ageing What are Blue Zones Dan Buettner, an American author, explorer, storyteller, and longevity researcher, had gone on a National Geographic expedition and which surprisingly turned into a major discovery about living a longer, healthier life. Buettner and his team, which is made up of scientists, anthropologists, and demographers, set out to explore regions where people regularly live to be 100 or more. They eventually identified five such places around the world, now known as 'Blue Zones', which include Loma Linda in California, Nicoya in Costa Rica, Sardinia in Italy, Ikaria in Greece, and Okinawa in Japan. What these places had in common wasn't just luck or good genes. In fact, according to the Danish Twin Study, only about 20% of our lifespan is determined by genetics; the rest is defined by our daily habits and lifestyle choices. Buettner and his team studied the people in these regions and found they shared some key lifestyle traits, these included things like natural movement, a sense of purpose, low stress, plant-based diets, and strong social connections. Here are 5 simple secrets to a long and healthy life, inspired by people living in the world's 'Blue Zones,' according to the study 'Blue Zones, Lessons From the World's Longest Lived', published in the National Library of Medicine Move naturally People in Blue Zones don't depend on gyms or intense workouts to stay fit. Instead, their daily lives are full of natural movement. They walk often, garden, do housework by hand, and use minimal modern conveniences. This constant, gentle activity keeps them physically active without needing to 'exercise' in the traditional sense. Their environments are designed to encourage constant movement by walking, which supports joint health, mobility, and strength well into old age, which makes a big difference over time. Have a sense of purpose Knowing why you wake up each day can add years to one's life. In Okinawa, this concept is called Ikigai, and in Nicoya, it's plan de vida. Both mean having a clear purpose or goal that brings meaning to one's daily routine. Whether it's taking care of family, taking up a hobby, or contributing to the well-being of those around, this sense of direction helps people stay mentally and emotionally balanced. Research published in Science Daily shows that people with a strong sense of purpose have about a 20% lower risk of death over seven years. Manage stress through daily routines Even people in the world's healthiest regions experience stress, but they've found simple ways to manage it. Residents in Blue Zones have daily rituals to reduce tension, like napping, praying, reflecting on ancestors, or gathering socially. These small habits help lower stress hormones and inflammation, both of which are linked to chronic diseases. Rather than letting stress build up, they dedicate downtime regularly. This keeps their minds clear, their bodies calm, and contributes to the emotional stability that supports a longer, healthier life. Eat until you're 80% full People in Blue Zones don't overeat. In Okinawa, they follow a 2,500-year-old saying, 'Hara hachi bu', which reminds them to stop eating when their stomach is about 80% full. This helps prevent weight gain and digestive problems. They also tend to eat their last and smallest meal in the late afternoon or early evening and avoid snacking later. By maintaining portion control and listening to their body's signals, they naturally reduce calorie intake, which is also one of the most effective ways to slow aging and extend life. Focus on plant-based diets Centenarians in Blue Zones eat mostly plant-based foods. Their meals are rich in beans like black, fava, soy, and lentils, along with vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. Meat is eaten rarely, usually just a few times a month, and in small portions, roughly the size of a deck of cards. This 'plant slant' diet provides essential nutrients, promotes gut health, and helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Photos: Canva Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Krishna Janmashtami Wishes, , messages , and quotes !
