Eating well from middle age increases your chances of staying healthy as you get older
What the study found
Researchers from Harvard and other institutions followed more than 105,000 nurses and healthcare workers in the United States for up to 30 years. They compared what these people ate in middle age with their health after age 70. Only about 9 out of every 100 people reached age 70 without serious long-term illnesses and with their memory, physical health, and mood in good condition. People who followed healthy eating patterns more closely had a better chance of reaching that goal. The eating pattern with the best results was measured using a score called AHEI. It favors fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, and healthy fats. Eating a lot of highly processed foods, processed meats, sugary drinks, and salt was linked to a lower chance of healthy aging.
What this means in practice
There is no single miracle diet. Several ways of eating showed good results, as long as they included more natural, less processed foods, such as beans, brown rice, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Replacing soda with water and eating fewer processed meats are simple steps. Talk to your doctor or dietitian before making major changes to your diet.
Study limitations
This was an observational study. It found a link between healthy eating and healthy aging, but it does not prove that one causes the other. Most participants were white healthcare workers, and they reported what they ate through questionnaires.
Important notice: Mais Anos summarizes scientific studies for information only. It is not medical advice, does not diagnose and promises no cure. Always talk to your doctor before changing treatments or habits.
