How does what you eat in middle age affect your health at 70?

Researchers followed more than 100,000 Americans in their 40s, 50s and 60s for three decades to find out how food consumption in middle age affects health in your 70s.

The results, recently published in the journal Nature Medicine (USA), show that a healthy diet when young is associated with a higher likelihood of healthy aging at age 70, after taking into account other factors such as physical activity and smoking, according to NBC5 news site (USA).

Increase longevity and avoid chronic diseases at age 70

Study participants were asked to keep detailed food records, reporting how often they ate more than 130 different foods, for up to three decades, until they reached the age of 70.

A diet rich in green vegetables, fruits and nuts is good for middle-aged and elderly people.

PHOTO: AI

Three decades later, the researchers found that 9,771 of the 105,015 participants were aging healthily, meaning they lived to age 70 without chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease; and without cognitive, physical, or mental health decline. This suggests that their adherence to a healthy diet was associated with a higher likelihood of healthy aging.

Additionally, higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, unsaturated fats, and low-fat dairy products were associated with higher rates of healthy aging. Conversely, higher intakes of trans fats, sodium, sugar-sweetened beverages, and red or processed meats were associated with lower rates of healthy aging.

This study, along with several other related studies, suggests that people can add years to their lives by eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and nuts, and avoiding sugary drinks and processed foods.

Following a healthy diet helps promote healthy aging

PHOTO: AI

Prioritize whole, minimally processed foods

“The nutritional findings in this study should encourage people to consider a healthy diet as a key part of healthy aging. When making nutritional choices, people should aim for whole, minimally processed foods, such as green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grains,” said Dr. Leana Wen, associate professor at George Washington University (USA).

Fish and lean meats can also be part of a healthy diet. On the other hand, highly processed meats like deli meats and fried chicken are linked to poorer health outcomes.

This study looked at the eating habits of people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. But based on other research, people should aim for a healthy diet no matter what age, while noting that it's never too late to start developing healthier habits.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhung-gi-ban-an-o-tuoi-trung-nien-anh-huong-the-nao-den-suc-khoe-tuoi-70-185250503113534669.htm