A recent study published in Nature Food suggests that making the switch from an unhealthy diet to a healthy one in middle age could potentially increase a person's lifespan by almost a decade. The study, conducted by the University of Bergen in Norway and the University of Glasgow in Scotland, analyzed data from 467,354 participants in the UK Biobank to estimate the impact of lifestyle changes on life expectancy.
The results of the study indicated that individuals in their 40s who transitioned from an unhealthy diet to a longevity-associated diet could gain approximately 10 years of life expectancy. The study emphasized the importance of initiating dietary improvements earlier in life, with whole grains, nuts, and fruits playing a crucial role in promoting longevity.
A longevity-associated diet, as highlighted by the research, includes a high intake of milk, dairy, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, along with moderate consumption of whole grains, fruit, fish, and white meat. It also involves a relatively low intake of eggs, red meat, and sugar-sweetened beverages, as well as limited consumption of refined grains and processed meat. This dietary pattern aligns with the Mediterranean diet, which is known for its overall health benefits by focusing on whole foods and minimizing processed and sugary items.
The study further pointed out that whole grains, nuts, and fruits were associated with the most significant gains in life expectancy, while sugar-sweetened beverages and processed meat were linked to higher mortality rates. The researchers acknowledged that their findings demonstrated correlation rather than causation and adjusted their model to account for factors such as smoking and socioeconomic status.
However, it is important to note that the study had limitations. The UK Biobank did not measure rice consumption, which is a significant dietary component for many migrant groups. Additionally, the researchers recognized the potential fluctuation of dietary patterns over time as a limitation.
Professor Gunter Kunhle, a nutritional scientist at the University of Reading, highlighted that these findings align with existing evidence regarding the impact of diets on overall health.
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