Ultra-Processed Foods and Obesity: The Undeniable Connection

A kitchen counter spread of ultra-processed foods like chips and chocolate, that can lead to obesity

How are ultra-processed foods and obesity linked? In what ways can ultra-processed foods become addictive? Dr. Chris van Tulleken, in his book Ultra-Processed People, explains how ultra-processed foods become addictive and cause us to eat more than necessary. Companies do this with tricks such as adding flavorings, softness, caloric density, and more. Keep reading to learn why ultra-processed foods are addictive and how they affect the body.

Van Tulleken’s Ultra-Processed Food Addiction Experiment

A vending machine full of addictive, ultra-processed junk food, such as chips and chocolate bars

Is ultra-processed food addiction real? What experiment did Dr. van Tulleken perform to prove it? In his book Ultra-Processed People, Dr. Chris van Tulleken experimented on himself to prove how addictive ultra-processed foods are. Not only were UPFs addictive, but they wreaked havoc on multiple different areas of his body. Here’s a look at van Tulleken’s experiment and the alarming results.

Ultra-Processed People: Book Overview (Chris van Tulleken)

A woman reading a book on a couch with an array of ultra-processed snacks around her, such as chips and soda

Why is it so hard to stop eating your favorite chips? What are the implications of supermarkets containing aisle after aisle of sodas, frozen meals, and packaged snacks—and only tiny produce sections?  In Ultra-Processed People, book author, professor, and infectious disease doctor Chris van Tulleken argues that ultra-processed food is destroying our health and our planet. He claims that ultra-processed food isn’t really food at all; rather, it’s akin to an addictive substance that tricks us into eating more. Below, we’ll explore van Tulleken’s arguments and his recommendations to counteract the effects of ultra-processed food.

The Effects of Procrastination on Health: Mental and Physical

A sick person wearing a mask feeling the effects of procrastination on health

How does procrastination affect your mental and physical health? How does putting off a task result in stronger negative emotions? The desire to avoid negative emotions often drives procrastination. Timothy A. Pychyl warns that this rarely works out the way we expect it, because procrastination doesn’t make us happier, nor does it make us feel physically better. Take a look at the mental and physical effects of procrastination on health below.

History of Oral Hygiene: Why Ancient Humans Had Better Oral Health

An ancient caveman smiling with great oral hygiene and straight teeth

How did ancient humans, with no toothbrushes, have better oral hygiene? How are we hindering our jaw development with modern diets? In the book Jaws, Sandra Kahn and Paul R. Ehrlich explain that our ancestors tended to have healthier mouths than we have now, even though they didn’t have dentists or toothbrushes. This is due to a number of factors, including our modern diet. Here’s a look at the history of oral hygiene, including how ancient humans maintained their oral health by simply using their jaws as they were meant to be used.

The 4 Major Disadvantages of City Life (The Nature Fix)

A person looking out the window of a small city apartment building, displaying the disadvantages of city life

What are the disadvantages of city life? Are city-dwellers really more stressed? How do cities affect sleep? In the book The Nature Fix, Florence Williams explains that people who live in cities suffer from excess stress, poor sleep quality, a lack of sunlight, and less empathy. While cities do offer numerous advantages for employment, socialization, and entertainment, the benefits may not outweigh the downsides. Here’s an in-depth look at the real cost of urban living.

The Top 4 Benefits of Time in Nature for Mental & Physical Health

A man enjoying the benefits of time in nature by roasting marshmallows on a campfire

In what ways can nature heal you? What are the benefits of listening to songbirds? Why does smelling eucalyptus make you feel relaxed? If you’re feeling stressed, depressed, or in a funk, consider the last time you went outside. In The Nature Fix, Florence Williams contends that humans have an innate affinity for nature, and thus the antidote to many of our physical and mental ailments is a good dose of the outdoors. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of time in nature, according to Williams.

Jaws: The Story of a Hidden Epidemic (Book Overview)

A woman with braces reading a book while sitting on a dentist chair in a dental office

Did you know that ancient humans had better oral health than we do today? Why are jaw problems so common around the world? What can you do to prevent jaw deformities? Jaws discusses how our modern lifestyle has created an epidemic of jaw deformities, leading to widespread health problems. Orthodontist Sandra Kahn and ecologist Paul R. Ehrlich say that a decrease in average jaw size is contributing to health issues. Keep reading for an overview of Jaws: The Story of a Hidden Epidemic.

The Consequences of Mouth Breathing: Decay, Halitosis, & More

A colorful, artistic depiction of air coming from a person's open mouth

How can mouth breathing jeopardize your oral health? How common is mouth breathing? The consequences of mouth breathing can go way beyond bad breath, according to the book Jaws by  Orthodontist Sandra Kahn and ecologist Paul R. Ehrlich. They explain that mouth breathing can contribute to deformed jaws, gum disease, tooth decay, and more. Keep reading to learn why you should breathe through your nose, if you can.

How Jaw Problems Can Lead to Other Health Issues

A man with jaw problems who is touching his jaw with a look of pain on his face

How can jaw problems lead to chronic diseases? What are the social consequences of having a deformed jaw? In their book Jaws, Kahn and Ehrlich say that a deformed jaw doesn’t only cause dental problems, but can lead to broader health issues as well. In addition to physical health issues, people with deformed jaws often experience mental health problems due to social stigmas. Here are some of the ways poor jaw structure can lead to chronic diseases.