The case against ultra-processed foods

Plus: Getting happier as you age

View this email online March 24, 2024 by Andrea Muraskin This week: They’re called your “golden years” for a reason: The new Gallup World Poll shows older Americans are the happiest among us. Plus: As much as we crave them, an increasing amount of evidence links highly processed food to poor physical, and mental health. And: How to start an edible garden here and now.  The upside of aging: Happiness comes easier by Allison Aubrey, Correspondent Courtesy Allison Aubrey A few weeks ago a group of my girlfriends planned an impromptu night out. One friend had spotted a salsa lesson. “Wouldn’t that be fun?” she texted the group. Enthusiasm ensued. Our friend Tara, who is normally game for anything, responded that she felt a bit over-programmed, so she’d be sitting it out. “JOMO” she texted back: the joy of missing out. The night was super fun. We hooted and hollered – a bunch of middle-aged women trying their best to keep up with instructors half their age. We shared the photos with Tara who responded with heart emojis from snug in her bed. At this age, we can delight in others’ fun without the fear of missing out, FOMO. And sometimes, being curled up with a book is just what we need. The ability to reframe FOMO as joy, is part of the acceptance that comes with aging. It’s not that you lower expectations, but you learn to find pleasure in simple things and accept that you can’t be everywhere – or do everything.  This week, I covered a new world happiness report that confirms this perk to growing older. It finds older adults in the U.S. are happier than those under 30.  It turns out researchers have found there’s a U-shaped curve to happiness. We tend to be happiest as young children – then hit the bottom of the U during the intense years of parenting young children, managing careers and mortgages, etc. Then, a lift again heading into the 50’s. It’s a bit of relief to be on the other side of the curve – on the way up. Unfortunately, the survey finds happiness is dipping faster and deeper, for adolescents and young adults. That is very troubling. As I observe my daughter thirteen year-old daughter Lillian (pictured with me above), I see a dawning recognition that the world is an imperfect place beset with many problems, like climate change and social inequities.   I was struck by something John Helliwell told me. He’s one of the founders of the happiness project, and is in his 80’s. “People are hearing that the world is going to hell in a handbasket and the young especially are feeling more threatened by it,” he says.  But Helliwell points to research that shows when people are engaged in efforts to make something better – or to work towards a goal – their sense of well-being improves. “And that’s what people need to focus on,” he says.  From my perch on the happier side of the U curve, I can only stand by and support my daughter as she finds her way in the world. I can’t make the pressures she’s under go away. But I can help steer her towards ideas and activities that feed her spirit, soul and – make her feel like she can be part of the solution.  And I’m encouraging her to learn when it’s time to unplug and prioritize a little rest and relaxation. Learn more about the generational divide in the World Happiness Report. Plus: Can a picture make you happy? We asked photographers and here's what they sent us subscriberid%%--> Newsletter continues after sponsor message From anxiety to cancer, the evidence against ultra-processed food piles up Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Americans’ well-known penchant for ultra-processed foods has long been the subject of satire. Like in the 1990s series Animaniacs, where cartoon characters sing a long list of nearly-unpronounceable ingredients found on food labels in the grocery store. Or in a 2012 episode of Parks and Recreation, where a city councilwoman proposes a tax to deter locals from buying a 512 ounce “child size” soda. We know they’re bad for us, but they make up more than half of our daily calorie intake; including refined breads, fast food, sugary drinks, cereals, cookies, and other packaged snacks. NPR’s Allison Aubrey reports on a new scientific review looking at the health outcomes associated with eating such manufactured edibles, and it's perhaps the most damning piece of research yet. The umbrella study – based on data from over 9 million people – finds people who consume high amounts of ultra-processed foods have an increased risk of anxiety, depression, obesity, metabolic syndrome, certain cancers and premature death. The study includes evidence that eating your feelings doesn’t work in the long run. (Sigh.) "We're seeing a roughly 20 to 50% increased risk of depressive symptoms in people who have diets that are high in these ultra-processed foods," says Wolfgang Marx, a senior author of the new research.  Another study published last year found people in the habit of consuming high levels of ultra-processed foods were about three times more likely to develop colorectal cancer.  Should consumers be warned about ultra-processed food? The federal government is working on reworking the nation’s dietary guidelines. The FDA is considering labeling some foods as “healthy” – once they figure out exactly what that means; as well as labels that will flag foods that contain high amounts of sodium, sugar and saturated fat. Here’s what you need to know about the latest science on ultra-processed foods and human health. Plus: What happened when a doctor ate only ultra-processed foods for a month And: How to cut back on junk food in your child's diet — and when not to worry Win a trip to see a Tiny Desk Concert! Between now and March 28, you could win a trip for two to see a live Tiny Desk Concert at the NPR Offices in DC when you support the NPR Network here. You’ll even have the option to grab exclusive Tiny Desk swag as you enter - all while supporting the honest journalism you rely on. Show your support today for your chance at this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Enter Now + Show Your Support No purchase or donation required for entry. Void where otherwise restricted or prohibited by law. Must be 18 years or older to enter and a resident of the 50 US states, D.C., or Canada (except Quebec) to enter. Entry deadline is March 28, 2024, at 11:59:59PM PT. Odds depend on the number of entries received. ARV of total prize: $2,300. Max. 10,000 entries per person. Official rules, including an alternative free method of entry, can be found here. A step-by-step guide to planting an edible garden this spring Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR When we asked our readers earlier this year for advice on how to live a long and healthy life, many of you said gardening helps keep you fit and upbeat. NPR contributor Aarti Shahani had a lightbulb moment while waiting in a long line at the grocery store back in early-COVID 2020. What if she converted her junk-strewn backyard into a garden and grew her own food?  Shahani turned to landscaper Benjamin Fahrer and farmer Yolanda Burrell for advice on how to get started.  First, remember you’re gardening where you are, not in your dream vacation spot. You can plug your zip code into the USDA’s hardiness zone map and figure out which plants thrive in your region. Then, make sure you’re working with healthy soil. If you get your soil tested and come up with lead, Fahrer says, you can still grow fruits and vegetables. For the most part, plants do not absorb lead into their tissues. But it gets on their skin, so wash your crops before you eat them.  Raised beds are a great option to protect your plans from being stepped on, and can make gardening easier if you have back pain. Shahani made hers out of wood from heat-treated shipping pallets that you can find outside grocery stores or on Craigslist.  Read on for all your rookie gardening basics, plus more resources.  Plus. 'It feels like I'm not crazy.' Gardeners aren't surprised as USDA updates key map   Before you go: April Dembosky/KQED The ultimate green burial? Human composting lets you replenish the earth after death Listen: In the world of medicine, race-based diagnoses are still very real Transitioning later in life can feel isolating. This social group wants to change that Her insurer stopped approving her medicine that worked. A new state law could help We hope you enjoyed these stories. Find more of NPR's health journalism online. All the best, Andrea Muraskin and your NPR Health editors Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WMFE (edit station). What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: shots@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Goats & Soda, Up First, Life Kit and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Health emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy