A new study by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, and University of Montreal found that maintaining a healthy diet rich in plant-based foods, with moderate inclusion of healthy animal-based foods, is linked to a higher likelihood of healthy aging.
The study examined the midlife diets and health outcomes of over 105,000 women and men aged 39-69 over 30 years. The researchers scored participants’ diets on eight different healthy patterns, including the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and unsaturated fats.
The study found that adhering to any one of these healthy dietary patterns was linked to overall healthy aging, as well as cognitive, physical, and mental health. The AHEI diet showed a significant association with healthy aging, with participants in the highest quintile having an 86% greater likelihood of healthy aging at 70 years.
In contrast, higher intake of ultra-processed foods, especially processed meat and sugary drinks, was associated with lower chances of healthy aging.
The researchers noted that there is no one-size-fits-all diet, but rather a range of options can promote overall health and well-being. The study’s findings suggest that dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods may be key to promoting healthy aging, and future research should aim to generalize these results to diverse populations.
Source: https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/healthy-eating-in-midlife-linked-to-overall-healthy-aging