January 30, 2025
Welcome to Ben Greenfield's Weekly Roundup!
In this weekly post, I share with you my most interesting discoveries of the week, including the latest news on the fronts of fitness, nutrition, health, wellness, biohacking, and anti-aging research. I also recap my upcoming events and special announcements so you can keep up with opportunities to learn, giveaways, discounts, and more!
New Discoveries
New Research Shows Not ALL Ultra-Processed Foods Are Bad For You?! 🍞🥛
Here's something I don't say very often—but based on recent research, not all ultra-processed foods (UPFs), may be as detrimental to your health as you'd think.
In a meta-analysis published in The Lancet, participants with the highest total ultra-processed food intake had an 11% increased risk of cardiovascular disease, especially from sugar-sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and processed meat…
😲 Now that's not very surprising… BUT there's a twist: higher intakes of cold cereals, savory snacks (like fat-free popcorn, which my wife will be happy about, and crackers), along with yogurt and dairy-based desserts were associated with a 6% to 8% decreased risk of cardiovascular disease!
This systematic review followed more than 200,000 participants over multiple decades to examine how different ultra-processed foods (UPFs) impact long-term health outcomes. Here's what stood out:
📊💔 Increased cardiovascular risk from processed foods:
- UPFs were linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke in three large U.S. cohort studies.
- When analyzed globally, the numbers were even more alarming—showing a 17% increased risk for CVD, 23% for CHD, and 9% for stroke for those in the highest UPF intake categories.
🚫 The worst offenders and better alternatives:
- Sugar-sweetened drinks, processed meats, and artificially sweetened beverages showed the strongest links to adverse heart outcomes.
- Less harmful UPFs included yogurt, whole-grain bread, and cold cereals, which showed neutral or slightly positive effects—likely due to added nutrients, filling fiber, or probiotic bacteria.
🔬Why this study matters and what it means for your diet:
Unlike smaller studies, this research analyzed dietary data over 30+ years from trusted databases, including the Nurses’ Health Studies and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. By adjusting for lifestyle factors like smoking, exercise, and multivitamin use, the findings provide a clearer picture of the role of UPFs in disease risk.
The study makes it clear that some UPFs, like probiotic-rich foods, may offset risks due to their nutrient content. However, ultra-processed snacks high in sugar and sodium contribute to inflammation and plaque buildup.
Here's my practical advice based on these findings:
- Even if you prioritize healthy eating, “health-washed” foods—like protein bars, flavored yogurts, or “clean” packaged snacks—can sneak into your diet. Pay attention to not only the nutrient content but also the level of processing in your food.
- Occasional convenience foods won’t derail your health but try to rely on them only in moderation.
- High intake of processed foods could increase your risk of inflammation, heart disease, and other chronic conditions, so as much as possible, replace packaged snacks with whole, minimally processed foods when possible for improved heart health and longevity.
Want to learn more about my best tips for improving your diet and avoiding unnecessary, unhealthy junk? Check out these resources:
- What I Eat For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (And A Surprise For Those Who Want To Biohack Their Diet For Fat Loss, Muscle Gain, Better Sleep & More Energy).
- DARK Calories! How Vegetable Oils Destroy Your Health (& How You Can Get It Back) With Dr. Cate Shanahan.
- The Ultimate Healthy-Eating Hack, Making Family Dinners Fun, Getting Kids To Cook & Much More With Shawn Stevenson.
- What Is The Perfect Human Diet? Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced Meal Plans From Ben Greenfield That Tell You Exactly How To Eat For Your Unique Body.
- How To Customize Your Diet.
Struggling To Find a Beverage That’s Actually Good for You? Try This for a Brain, Body & Gut Boost—All in One Can 🍄🍋
You and I have both been there—standing in the drink aisle, scanning label after label, hoping to find something that delivers on its promise of health without sneaking in loads of sugar or artificial junk. The problem is that even most so-called “healthy” drinks are full of sweeteners, preservatives, and empty claims, leaving you feeling let down and far from revitalized.
That’s why I'm happy to introduce you to All Phenoms, a company that bridges the gap between refreshing beverages and true functionality. Born out of frustration with what the beverage market had to offer, their drinks are designed to nourish your body, mind, and gut, all while tasting delicious.
Think of All Phenoms as your daily wellness companion in a can. Their beverages are organic, sparkling super drinks infused with real fruit, botanicals, and a powerhouse blend of pre and probiotics, functional mushrooms, nootropics, and vitamins. Whether you’re seeking a mindful energy boost before a workout or help to maintain all-day focus, they've got you covered with two versatile blends:
✔️Daily+: Non-caffeinated, fruit-infused blends packed with adaptogens, vitamins, and probiotics for whole-body support.
✔️Energy+: Lightly caffeinated blends powered by organic green tea, nootropics, and functional ingredients for a clean energy boost.
Whether you prefer the brain-boosting Lion’s Mane in the Citrus Ginger Energy+ blend or the elderberry-rich, immune-supporting Berry Mint Daily+ blend, every can is packed with ingredients designed to help you thrive. Both blends are also USDA organic, kosher, vegan, gluten-free, and free from artificial preservatives, sugars, and flavors.
If you’re ready to ditch the gimmicks, skip the sugar, and choose a drink that fuels your best life, give their “super beverages” a try.
👉 Shop now here to get 15% off All Phenoms with code BEN15. 🌱✨
Transform Your Health With Life Network’s Trusted Experts (and a 7-Day FREE Trial!) 🌿🌟
Between conflicting wellness advice, trending products, and endless “miracle” solutions, it’s tough to know what truly works when it comes to optimizing your health. That’s why Life Network (start your 7-day FREE trial today!) brings together a handpicked team of trusted health experts who cut through the noise and guide you toward transformative results.
Our experts represent the pinnacle of their fields—holistic doctors, biohackers, nutritionists, and performance coaches—with decades of experience and proven success. Each has devoted their career to empowering people to achieve optimal health, overcome fatigue, and lead more vibrant, fulfilling lives.
Who are the experts behind Life Network? In addition to myself, the Life Network team includes:
🔥Dr. Amie Hornaman: Known as “The Thyroid Fixer,” Dr. Amie is a leading expert in thyroid and hormone health.
🔥Lauren Sambataro: A former Broadway performer turned Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, Lauren specializes in movement, holistic lifestyle practices, and helping clients transition from pain to purpose.
🔥Dr. Sandra Kaufmann: A trailblazer in the science of longevity, Dr. Kaufmann is the go-to authority for actionable strategies to delay aging and improve cellular health.
🔥Brian Hoyer: One of the world’s top EMF and light experts, Brian Hoyer has transformed how we think about creating healthier spaces that promote recovery and vitality.
🔥Plus a team of additional scientists, physicians, nutritionists, dentists, coaches, and biohackers.
With Life Network, you’re not just getting generic advice but tapping into a trusted ecosystem of professionals who’ve been on the frontlines of health innovation for years. These are the same experts I turn to myself for advice, collaboration, and results-driven solutions.
When you join Life Network, you’ll get access to:
- Personalized wellness strategies crafted by top-tier experts
- Live Q&A sessions with our masterminds
- Premium content designed to educate you on the latest research in the health and wellness space
- VIP discounts on trusted products in LIFEmarket
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start transforming your health with guidance from the BEST in the industry, this is your chance.
👉 Click here to start your 7-day FREE trial and take the first step toward boundless living.
Drumroll Please… 🥁 You Can Now PRE-ORDER Your Fully Updated Copy of Boundless to *Optimize* Your Body, Mind, and Spirit! 📚💪
Over the last year, I've been working tirelessly on something that I’m thrilled to finally share: the brand-new, updated version of my best-seller, Boundless.
Like a cookbook for the human blueprint, the revised and updated edition of Boundless gives you a zero-guesswork guide to becoming a complete expert in what makes your brain tick, your body work, your spirit happy, and your life fulfilled.
You can flip to *any* chapter and discover the most up-to-date, research-proven, trench-tested techniques to build muscle, burn fat, balance hormones, live longer, sleep better, have mind-blowing sex, and much, much more!
A few of the key topics that the latest version of Boundless explores are:
- Strategies to optimize mitochondrial density and biogenesis for peak energy and metabolic health.
- New methods to stimulate the vagus nerve for stress reduction, sleep quality, and higher heart rate variability using light, sound, and electrical interventions.
- Updated techniques for restoring circadian balance, combating jet lag, and maximizing sleep, naps, and meditation.
- Insights on the effects of electromagnetic frequencies on the brain and body, with tips on modifying devices for better shielding.
- The latest on addressing chronic infections, detoxifying from mold, and enhancing gut function with cutting-edge testing and treatments.
- New supplements, biohacks, and protocols based on recent longevity science, including age-reversal insights.
- Fresh routines and injury recovery tools, plus minimalist moves to burn fat throughout the day without gym reliance.
If you're ready to uncover a treasure trove of the latest science-backed strategies for improving every aspect of your mind, body, and spirit, you can click this link to pre-order your new updated copy of Boundless.
Unlock Personalized, Data-Driven Insights and Health Coaching Tailored to YOUR Unique Biology 📊
Struggling to make sense of your health and wellness journey?
You’re not alone. The frustration of feeling fatigued, battling brain fog, or hitting a wall with your fitness goals—despite all the trendy diets, supplements, and exercise programs out there—can leave you feeling lost and overwhelmed.
The root problem is often that most one-size-fits-all wellness strategies fail to address your unique biology.
Enter LIFEprints, a comprehensive health optimization system with two tailored options to meet your unique wellness needs.
LIFEprints Discover offers a foundational approach, featuring HTMA (hair tissue mineral analysis) testing, which analyzes the mineral content of your hair to provide a 3–4 month snapshot of your mineral and metabolic status. With a personalized report, you’ll receive a custom health blueprint with targeted supplementation suggestions, along with a one-on-one coaching call to guide you through these insights. You’ll also gain access to a vibrant community of wellness enthusiasts for added support and inspiration.
For a more immersive experience, LIFEprints Transform includes all the benefits of Discover, plus additional resources to help you put your insights into action. It starts with a customized pathway, built through an in-depth questionnaire, that shapes your wellness plan. This includes a nourishing, goal-specific meal plan, expert guidance to integrate new habits smoothly, and a 12-week dynamic movement program. To keep you motivated, Transform offers regular accountability reminders and monthly coaching calls with world-class experts. With Transform, you’ll turn your data into sustainable lifestyle changes by receiving personalized insights and actionable steps to address issues like fatigue, stress, sleep problems, and weight management, helping you optimize energy, focus, and overall wellness for long-term health.
Ready to finally see results that make a difference in how you feel and perform?
You can buy LIFEprints here and discover how truly customized health guidance can transform your life.
Podcasts I Recorded This Week:
This episode was brought to you by Analemma (code BENG), Ancient Crunch, Peluva (code BEN), Hoolest, SuperTeeth (code BENGREENFIELD), and IM8 (code BEN).
This episode was brought to you by BON CHARGE (code GREENFIELD), Quantum Upgrade (code BEN15), LVLUP Health, Organifi Shilajit Gummies, and Our Place (code BEN).
The Latest Content I Was Featured On This Week:
Men's Health Australia: Red Light Therapy Legit?
My Article Feed:
My full article feed and all archives of my articles are here.
Product Of The Week
::: Kickstart 2025 With 10% Off the Ultra Magnesium Upgrade :::
Upcoming Events:
Health Optimisation Summit — Austin. TX: April 12–13, 2025
The Health Optimisation Summit, Europe’s top wellness conference, is making its U.S. debut in Austin, Texas—and I will be there! Join me for a powerful talk and Q&A, plus experience insights from 35 world-class speakers covering everything from nutrition and fitness to longevity and mental health. Explore over 100 exhibitors, test the latest biohacking tech for free, and connect with 2,000 like-minded attendees. Grab your tickets here.
Biohacking with Ben — Sebastian, FL: May 1-4, 2025
Discover a transformative getaway designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Join me in Florida and immerse yourself in an intimate 3-day transformative experience featuring sessions on cutting-edge biohacking, meditation, and breathwork techniques led by me! Reserve your spot here.
Keep up on Ben's LIVE appearances by following bengreenfieldlife.com/calendar!
Kion Product of the Week: Kion Dark Roast Coffee
Are you ready to transform your morning routine with a cup of coffee that not only tastes exceptional but also supports your health?
Here’s why Kion Dark Roast is your perfect choice:
- Certified organic: Sourced from 100% organic Arabica beans, this coffee ensures you enjoy a clean, pesticide-free brew.
- Tested for toxins: Each batch undergoes rigorous testing for mold, mycotoxins, and pesticides, guaranteeing purity and safety.
- Ethically sourced: Kion prioritizes sustainability and fair trade practices, supporting coffee cooperatives that value environmental stewardship and community welfare.
- Smooth, delicious taste: Notes of caramelized sugar, dark chocolate, and toasted hazelnuts deliver a complex, smooth flavor.
It's time to elevate your mornings and discover the difference a truly exceptional cup of coffee can make!
Order your Kion Dark Roast Coffee today and savor every moment.
Cheers,
Ben