Diets linked to healthy aging
Following certain diets could increase the likelihood of healthy aging.
In a study published in Nature Medicine, investigators used data from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study to analyze the dietary habits and health outcomes of more than 100,000 participants between 1986 and 2016. They defined healthy aging as reaching age 70 years without developing a major chronic disease as well as maintaining cognitive, physical and mental health. Among the eight dietary patterns included in the study were the Alternative Healthy Eating Index, Alternative Mediterranean Diet Index, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, Healthful Plant-Based Index, Planetary Health Diet Index, Reversed Empirical Dietary Index for Hyperinsulinemia and Reversed Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Pattern.
After a follow-up of 30 years, the investigators found that the participants who adhered to each dietary pattern were more likely to experience healthy aging. The Alternative Healthy Eating Index demonstrated the strongest correlation with healthy aging, even after raising the age threshold to 75 years. In addition, the higher intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats, nuts, legumes and low-fat dairy and the lower intake of trans fats, sodium, sugary beverages, red or processed meats and ultraprocessed foods were linked to healthy aging.
The findings suggested that diets high in plant-based foods could protect overall health, prevent chronic diseases and enhance healthy aging.
Read more: Nature Medicine
The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.