Question 1

How does food affect your lifespan?

Accepted Answer

According to the Health Nutritional Index (HENI) research, different foods have measurable impacts on lifespan. Processed meats like hot dogs can cost approximately 27 minutes of life per serving, while foods like salmon can add approximately 16 minutes. These estimates are based on meta-analyses of epidemiological studies on diet and mortality.

Question 2

What foods add the most minutes to your life?

Accepted Answer

Foods that add the most minutes to your lifespan include: Salmon (+16 min), Blueberries (+14 min), Sardines (+14 min), Almonds (+12 min), Kale smoothie (+11 min), Walnuts (+11 min), Spinach salad (+10 min), and Lentil soup (+10 min). These are rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and fiber.

Question 3

What foods cost the most minutes of life?

Accepted Answer

Foods with the highest lifespan cost include: Hot dogs (-27 min), Big Mac (-24 min), Pepperoni pizza (-22 min), Frozen pizza (-20 min), Sausage (-20 min), Bacon (-18 min), and Fried chicken (-16 min). These are primarily processed meats and ultra-processed foods.

Question 4

How is food lifespan impact calculated?

Accepted Answer

Food lifespan impact is calculated using the Health Nutritional Index (HENI) methodology, which translates food choices into minutes of healthy life gained or lost. It evaluates foods based on their association with chronic disease risk, drawing from meta-analyses of epidemiological studies. Processed meats lose about 0.08 minutes per gram, sugary drinks about 2 minutes per 100ml, fruits/vegetables gain about 5 minutes per serving, and nuts gain about 8 minutes per 30g.

Food Lifespan Calculator

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Salmon (grilled)

Mackerel

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