As the U.S. population ages, there’s growing interest in finding ways to protect our physical and mental health. A new study looked at how what we eat in midlife affects our health later on.
An NIH-funded team analyzed data from more than 105,000 men and women. Participants were 30 to 75 years old at the start. None had a serious chronic disease, like diabetes or heart disease. Participants reported what types of foods they ate every four years, for up to 30 years.
People who ate healthier diets in midlife were more likely to live into their 70s without major chronic disease. This was about 9% of participants. They also showed good cognitive, physical, and mental health.
Those who ate more healthy foods over time were more likely to show signs of healthy aging. Healthy foods included fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats, nuts,
legumes, and low-fat dairy. Healthy aging was less likely for those who ate more trans fats, salt, sugary drinks, and red or processed meats.
People who ate more ultra-processed foods had a 32% reduced chance of healthy aging. These foods often have ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, flavoring agents, and emulsifiers. They are also typically high in saturated fat, salt, and added sugars. But more research is needed to find out how these might affect healthy aging.
“Studies have previously investigated dietary patterns in the context of specific diseases or how long people live,” says study lead Dr. Frank Hu at Harvard University. “Ours takes a multifaceted view, asking: ‘How does diet impact people’s ability to live independently and enjoy a good quality of life as they age?’”
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Source: NIH.
