Media Coverage: GP Highlights Three ‘Healthy’ Foods That May Contribute to Faster Ageing

Many foods marketed as healthy may not always support long-term health in the way people expect, according to Dr Asiya Maula, GP at The Health Suite.

Commenting on the connection between nutrition and healthy ageing, Dr Maula explained that longevity is influenced not only by genetics but also by daily dietary habits and their impact on inflammation, blood sugar regulation and metabolic health.

“People often assume that if a food is considered healthy, it will automatically support longevity,” she said. “But how your body responds to that food on a basic level is what really matters when it comes to ageing well.”

Granola Bars

Often marketed as a nutritious snack, many granola bars contain added sugars, syrups and dried fruits that can cause rapid increases in blood sugar.

Dr Maula warns that repeated blood sugar spikes may contribute to inflammation and metabolic stress over time.

“Frequent blood sugar spikes can contribute to inflammation and energy crashes over time. This can impact metabolic health, which is closely linked to how the body ages.”

Fruit Juice

While fruit juice contains vitamins and nutrients, Dr Maula notes that removing the fibre found in whole fruit changes how the body processes sugar.

“When sugars are absorbed quickly, it can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar and increased hunger later on. Over time, this pattern may contribute to processes associated with ageing.”

She recommends choosing whole fruits whenever possible to support steadier blood sugar levels and better metabolic balance.

Low-Fat Yoghurts

Many low-fat yoghurts contain added sugars or extra ingredients to improve taste and texture after fat has been removed.

Dr Maula explains:

“Removing fat often leads to products being reformulated with extra sugar or additives. That can affect satiety and metabolic balance in ways people don’t expect.”

Natural or full-fat yoghurt options may help support more stable energy levels and improved satiety.

Small Changes Can Make a Difference

Rather than eliminating foods entirely, Dr Maula encourages making informed choices that support long-term health.

“Small, repeated dietary choices can have a significant impact over time. It’s not about cutting foods out completely but making smarter swaps that better support the body.”

Read the complete article in The GB News