Embarking on a journey from an unhealthy to a healthy diet in middle age may yield substantial benefits, potentially extending a person's life by nearly a decade, suggests a recent study published in Nature Food. The research, conducted by the University of Bergen in Norway and the University of Glasgow in Scotland, utilized a model to estimate the impact of lifestyle changes on life expectancy, analyzing data from 467,354 participants in the UK Biobank.
The results revealed that individuals in their 40s transitioning from an unhealthy diet to a longevity-focused one could experience an approximate gain of 10 years in life expectancy. Notably, the study emphasized that the earlier these dietary improvements were initiated, the more pronounced the increase in life expectancy. Whole grains, nuts, and fruits were identified as key components contributing to these positive outcomes.
A longevity-associated diet, as highlighted by the research, comprises a high intake of milk, dairy, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, coupled with moderate consumption of whole grains, fruit, fish, and white meat. It advocates limited intake of eggs, red meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, refined grains, and processed meat, aligning with the principles of the Mediterranean diet known for promoting overall health by prioritizing whole foods over processed and sugary alternatives.
The study acknowledged correlation rather than causation in its findings and adjusted the model for factors like smoking and socioeconomic status. However, it recognized limitations, such as the absence of rice consumption measurement in the UK Biobank and the potential variability of dietary patterns over time.
Professor Gunter Kunhle, a nutritional scientist at the University of Reading, underscored the alignment of these findings with existing evidence supporting the role of diets in fostering longer, healthier lives. He emphasized the importance of promoting a healthy, balanced diet throughout life, recognizing the challenges individuals may face when transitioning from years of unhealthy eating habits to a more balanced lifestyle.
Embarking on a journey from an unhealthy to a healthy diet in middle age may yield substantial benefits, potentially extending a person's life by nearly a decade, suggests a recent study published in Nature Food. The research, conducted by the University of Bergen in Norway and the University of Glasgow in Scotland, utilized a model to estimate the impact of lifestyle changes on life expectancy, analyzing data from 467,354 participants in the UK Biobank.
The results revealed that individuals in their 40s transitioning from an unhealthy diet to a longevity-focused one could experience an approximate gain of 10 years in life expectancy. Notably, the study emphasized that the earlier these dietary improvements were initiated, the more pronounced the increase in life expectancy. Whole grains, nuts, and fruits were identified as key components contributing to these positive outcomes.
A longevity-associated diet, as highlighted by the research, comprises a high intake of milk, dairy, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, coupled with moderate consumption of whole grains, fruit, fish, and white meat. It advocates limited intake of eggs, red meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, refined grains, and processed meat, aligning with the principles of the Mediterranean diet known for promoting overall health by prioritizing whole foods over processed and sugary alternatives.
The study acknowledged correlation rather than causation in its findings and adjusted the model for factors like smoking and socioeconomic status. However, it recognized limitations, such as the absence of rice consumption measurement in the UK Biobank and the potential variability of dietary patterns over time.
Professor Gunter Kunhle, a nutritional scientist at the University of Reading, underscored the alignment of these findings with existing evidence supporting the role of diets in fostering longer, healthier lives. He emphasized the importance of promoting a healthy, balanced diet throughout life, recognizing the challenges individuals may face when transitioning from years of unhealthy eating habits to a more balanced lifestyle.
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