A new longitudinal cohort study has found that diets rich in plant-based foods and moderate amounts of animal-based foods can enhance healthy aging. The study, which analyzed data from over 105,000 participants, revealed that higher adherence to certain dietary patterns was associated with greater odds of healthy aging.
The researchers used data from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study to examine the association between long-term adherence to eight different diets and ultraprocessed food consumption with healthy aging. The eight diets included were the Alternative Healthy Eating Index, Alternative Mediterranean Diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, healthful plant-based diet, Planetary Health Diet Index, empirical inflammatory dietary pattern, and empirical dietary index for hyperinsulinemia.
The study found that participants who followed a healthy diet were more likely to survive to age 70 without chronic diseases and maintain their cognitive, physical, and mental function. The researchers also found that higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats, nuts, legumes, and low-fat dairy products were linked to greater odds of healthy aging.
In contrast, higher intakes of trans fats, sodium, sugary beverages, and red or processed meats showed inverse associations with healthy aging. The study also found that participants who consumed ultraprocessed foods had a 32% lower odds of healthy aging.
The researchers concluded that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to diet for promoting healthy aging, and that clinicians should recommend diets rich in nutrient-dense foods while taking into account patients’ personal preferences, cultural backgrounds, and individual needs. The study’s findings suggest that the best diet for healthy aging is one that works for the individual, with adherence being the most important factor.
The study was supported by grants from the US National Institutes of Health and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Postdoctoral Fellowship Award.
Source: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/this-diet-leads-healthy-aging-2025a10006wv?form=fpf