A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that carbohydrate quality is an important factor in healthy aging. Researchers analyzed data from the Nurses’ Health Study questionnaires, which included over 47,000 women between ages 70 and 93. The study found that older women who consumed high-quality carbs, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, had a greater likelihood of healthy aging.
The authors defined healthy aging as the absence of 11 major chronic diseases and lack of cognitive and physical function impairments. The results showed that women who ate high-quality carbs had a 6% to 37% greater likelihood of healthy aging, while those who consumed refined carbs had 13% lower odds.
According to lead author Andres Ardisson Korat, the study’s findings suggest that carbohydrate quality may be an important factor in healthy aging. The researchers analyzed data collected every four years between 1984 and 2016, providing insight into midlife diets and health outcomes.
The study’s results are consistent with previous evidence linking consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to lower risks of chronic diseases. The findings also support the idea that food choices in midlife can impact quality of life in later years.
Dietitians recommend getting fiber from whole foods, such as legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Some high-fiber food groups to add to your diet include beans, lentils, fresh fruits with skin, fresh vegetables with skin, popcorn, avocados, oatmeal, barley, split peas, and chia seeds.
Source: https://fortune.com/well/2025/05/16/fiber-carbs-healthy-aging