A person could be a quinquagenarian but they could look just like the Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw because of the specific things she does to get by. At 53 years in 2024, she retains the dazzling shine of a tricenarian looking to linger in the bracket perpetually. Frequent workouts and several other physical activities are partly responsible for her youthful appearance, and science suggests that the flip side could be the quinquagenarian avoiding ultra-processed food which hastens aging in humans. Off to find out what is being uncovered.

When cross-sectional analyses were conducted on 22,495 participants who enrolled in what is known as the Moli-Sani Study spanning 2005 to 2010, it tried to measure how much healthy diets directly affect the organic maturing process. Will this wheel run at high speed or keep a slow pace? It all depends.

The research which was published on Monday, 4 November 2024, envisioned the way the world works through the eyes of Italians who were strictly the subjects that curious scientists relied on. So, what did The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition compile about the Moli-Sani-led introspection which questioned what ultra-processed food could do to the body and the surrounding skin?

We take the bustling streets of Lagos and its day or nightlife. Here, the aroma of jollof rice heading out from several fast food joints wafts through the air as the vibrant colours of Ankara fabrics catch the eye.

Youthfulness could be under threat for a moment and there could be a pushback which is not a magical herb or a mythical spring, but rather a simple choice: saying no to ultra-processed foods. The key to looking as dazzling as Nollywood’s ageless beauty, Kate Henshaw, might just be in your pantry.

Let’s take a full culinary journey through the findings of the recently published study laying obvious in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Picture this: 22,495 Italians, pasta lovers by default, swapping their processed penne for whole grain goodness and their sugary sodas for sparkling water with a twist of lemon. The result? A slowdown in the biological clock, making 50 the new 30!

Now, you might be thinking, But I’m Nigerian, not Italian. How does this apply to me? Well, let’s sprinkle a bit of context like seasoning on suya. The average lifespan of a Nigerian is currently hovering around 56 years. Not too shabby, but what if I told you that embracing the anti-ultra-processed food movement could potentially add more vibrant years to your life?

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Imagine having the energy to dance at your great-grandchildren’s weddings or the stamina to hustle in the markets of Balogun without breaking a sweat.

The study in question, which could very well be a game-changer, suggests that high consumption of ultra-processed foods is like hitting the fast-forward button on ageing. These foods, often masquerading as convenient and harmless, are packed with additives and stripped of nutrients. They’re the culprits behind the sneaky acceleration of our biological age, making our bodies feel rickety danfo bus-old barely halfway through the journey of life.

So, what’s the takeaway from this Italian tale of dietary caution? It’s simple: ditch the processed plantain chips and embrace the fresh, whole foods rich Nigerian soil provides. Swap that soda for zobo, trade in the instant noodles for a hearty egusi soup, and watch as your body thanks you with the vitality of a tricenarian.

Not everyone can be Kate Henshaw obviously –  defying time with her enviable fitness regimen and radiant skin, but one can certainly take a page from her and the Italians.

Choosing foods as close to their natural state as possible will not only nourish the body; it is somewhat a future investment that offers the chance to outshine the younger generation, one healthy meal at a time.

So, next time you’re tempted by that pack of ultra-processed biscuits, remember: your biological clock is ticking, and it’s time to reset it, Nigerian style.

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Meiza Nigeria