Adopting healthy eating habits during middle age boosts the likelihood of healthy aging.
That’s according to a new study, which found that a “moderate intake of healthy, animal-based foods” and a “lower intake of ultraprocessed foods” could increase the chances of reaching age 70 with good “cognitive, physical and mental health” and no major diseases.
Researchers also contributed to the study, which was published in the journal Nature Medicine.
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“Studies have previously investigated dietary patterns in the context of specific diseases or how long people live. Ours takes a multifaceted view, asking, how does diet impact people’s ability to live independently and enjoy a good quality of life as they age?” said co-corresponding author, in a press release.
Adopting healthy eating habits during middle age boosts the likelihood of healthy aging, a new study found. (iStock)
The researchers analyzed diet and health data for more than 105,000 women and men aged 39 to 69 over a 30-year period, drawn from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study.
Based on the participants’ self-reported diets, they were given scores for eight different healthy eating plans based on their intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats, nuts and legumes, as well as some healthy animal-based foods, including fish and certain dairy products, the release stated.
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They also investigated the participants’ consumption of ultraprocessed foods containing added sugars, sodium and unhealthy fats.
The diet with the most benefits for healthy aging was the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), the researchers found, which was linked to an 86% greater likelihood of healthy aging at 70 years old.
The diet with the most benefits for healthy aging was the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), which was linked to an 86% greater likelihood of healthy aging at 70 years old. (iStock)
This diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes and healthy fats, with limited amounts of red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, sodium and refined grains, the release stated.
Participants who ate more processed foods had less likelihood of healthy aging, with processed meat and sugary or diet beverages named as the biggest culprits.
“There is no one-size-fits-all diet. Healthy diets can be adapted to fit individual needs and preferences.”
“Our findings suggest that dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods, with moderate inclusion of healthy, animal-based foods, may promote overall healthy aging and help shape future dietary guidelines,” said co-corresponding author, in the release.
“Our findings suggest that dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods, with moderate inclusion of healthy, animal-based foods, may promote overall healthy aging and help shape future dietary guidelines,” the researchers said. (iStock)
“Our findings also show that there is no one-size-fits-all diet. Healthy diets can be adapted to fit individual needs and preferences,” added lead author, in the release.
The diet with the most benefits for healthy aging was the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), which was linked to an 86% greater likelihood of healthy aging at 70 years old. (iStock)
This diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes and healthy fats, with limited amounts of red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, sodium and refined grains, the release stated.
Participants who ate more processed foods had less likelihood of healthy aging, with processed meat and sugary or diet beverages named as the biggest culprits.
“There is no one-size-fits-all diet. Healthy diets can be adapted to fit individual needs and preferences.”
“Our findings suggest that dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods, with moderate inclusion of healthy, animal-based foods, may promote overall healthy aging and help shape future dietary guidelines,” said co-corresponding author, in the release.
“Our findings suggest that dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods, with moderate inclusion of healthy, animal-based foods, may promote overall healthy aging and help shape future dietary guidelines,” the researchers said. (iStock)
