A new study published this week highlights the significant role of diet in preventing chronic diseases later in life. Researchers from the T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the University of Copenhagen, and the University of Montreal tracked 105,000 individuals aged 39-69 for up to 30 years to explore the impact of diet on long-term health.
The study found that consuming a plant-based diet with a modest amount of meat can help prevent chronic illnesses as people age. Participants were surveyed regularly about their dietary habits, focusing on their adherence to eight healthy eating patterns and their consumption of ultra-processed foods high in sodium and saturated fats.
The results revealed that only 9.3% of participants aged healthily, successfully avoiding chronic conditions by their 70s. The research used the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) to evaluate diet quality, grading individuals on their intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and healthy fats, while avoiding high consumption of red meat, processed meats, sugary drinks, sodium, and refined grains.
Those who ranked in the top 20% for diet quality were found to be 86% more likely to remain free of chronic diseases compared to the rest of the population.
“Our findings suggest that plant-based eating patterns, along with moderate amounts of healthy animal-based foods, are key to promoting healthy aging,” said co-corresponding author Marta Guasch-Ferré. “This research provides valuable insights that could inform future dietary guidelines aimed at supporting healthier aging.”
However, the study acknowledged a limitation, as it primarily involved medical professionals. Researchers recommended further studies that include a more diverse range of participants across different socioeconomic backgrounds to enhance the findings’ applicability.
The study reinforces the growing evidence that healthy eating habits in midlife can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases, contributing to better overall health as people age.
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