Food is essential for our survival, but not all food is created equal. While some foods nourish us and keep us healthy, others do the opposite. In fact, there are many types of food that may actually shorten our lives.

These foods are often high in sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and calories, and can lead to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Here are 30 types of food that you should try to avoid or limit in your diet:.

1. Fast Food

Fast food is convenient and tasty, but it’s also high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Regular consumption of fast food can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other health problems.

2. Processed Meat

Processed meat such as hot dogs, sausages, bacon, and lunch meats are often high in sodium and preservatives. They are also linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer and heart disease.

3. Sugary Drinks

Sodas, sports drinks, and energy drinks are full of sugar and calories, and have no nutritional value. Regular consumption of sugary drinks can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.

4. Packaged Snacks

Chips, crackers, popcorn, and other packaged snacks are often high in salt, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. They are also linked to weight gain and other health problems.

5. Alcohol

Drinking alcohol in excess can damage your liver and increase your risk of cancer, heart disease, and other health problems. Moderate drinking may be okay, but it’s important to limit your intake.

6. Fried Food

Fried food such as French fries, fried chicken, and donuts are high in unhealthy fats and calories. Regular consumption of fried food can lead to weight gain, high cholesterol, and other health problems.

7. Candy

Candy is high in sugar and calories, and has no nutritional value. Regular consumption of candy can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and other health problems.

8. Ice Cream

Ice cream is high in sugar and unhealthy fats, and often contains additives and preservatives. Regular consumption of ice cream can lead to weight gain, high cholesterol, and other health problems.

9. White Bread

White bread is highly processed and often contains little fiber and nutrients. It is also linked to weight gain and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

10. Pizza

Pizza is often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Regular consumption of pizza can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other health problems.

11. Margarine

Margarine is often high in trans fats, which can increase your risk of heart disease and other health problems. It is best to use butter or healthier spreads instead.

12. Canned Soup

Canned soups are often high in sodium, preservatives, and additives. They are also linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other health problems.

13. Energy Bars

Energy bars may seem like a healthy snack, but many are loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats. They can also be high in calories and lack essential nutrients.

14. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin have been linked to a variety of health problems, including weight gain, digestive issues, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

15. White Rice

White rice is highly processed and often lacks essential nutrients. It is also linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

16. High-Fat Dairy

High-fat dairy products such as cheese, cream, and whole milk are often high in saturated fats. Regular consumption of high-fat dairy can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of heart disease.

17. Breakfast Cereals

Many breakfast cereals are high in sugar and lack essential nutrients. They are also often highly processed and contain additives and preservatives.

18. Fruit Juices

Fruit juices may seem healthy, but many are loaded with sugar and lack fiber. It is best to eat whole fruits instead.

19. Microwave Popcorn

Microwave popcorn is often high in unhealthy fats, sodium, and preservatives. It is best to make your own popcorn at home with healthier toppings.

20. White Pasta

White pasta is highly processed and often lacks essential nutrients. It is also linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

21. Sweetened Yogurt

Sweetened yogurt is often high in sugar and lacks essential nutrients. It is best to choose plain yogurt and add your own healthy toppings.

22. Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is often high in unhealthy fats and preservatives. It is best to use healthier spreads instead.

23. Processed Cheese

Processed cheese is often high in unhealthy fats and sodium. It is best to choose natural cheeses instead.

24. Red Meat

Red meat such as beef, pork, and lamb is often high in saturated fats and linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other health problems. It is best to choose leaner sources of protein.

25. Baked Goods

Baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and pastries are often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and calories. Regular consumption of baked goods can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

26. Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Regular consumption of fried chicken can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

27. Soda

Soda is full of sugar and calories, and has no nutritional value. Regular consumption of soda can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.

28. Condiments

Condiments such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, and salad dressing are often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. It is best to use healthier condiments or make your own.

29. Cream-Based Soups

Cream-based soups are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. They are also linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other health problems.