Longest-Living Diet Strategy Revealed
A groundbreaking study, published at the end of March 2023, has shed light on the role of diet in maintaining a healthy lifestyle as we age. The research, conducted by researchers from the German Diabetes Center (DDZ), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, and the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), has determined that a plant-based and balanced diet can significantly improve the quality of life in old age. The study followed over 105,000 participants over many years, and its findings indicate that a diet rich in fresh, minimally processed whole foods can prevent chronic diseases and improve the quality of life in old age. Dr. Nadine Gutmann, an immunologist at the Austrian institute SIPCAN, explains that this type of diet can lead to a longer and healthier life. The research emphasises the importance of a healthy diet for healthspan, or the years lived in good health. Consumption of industrially processed products in Austria is significantly linked to a lower chance of reaching 70 in good physical and mental condition. On the other hand, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats is particularly beneficial. Consumption of sugar, red meat, and highly processed foods should be minimized. The study also suggests that a healthy diet can lead to a longer and healthier life. Two Austrian cities stand out as the healthiest places in a new analysis of 31 European cities. However, it's worth noting that around a third of daily calories in Austria come from highly processed foods, which is well above the EU average of 27%. Interestingly, the study found that those who followed the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) or the Mediterranean diet had almost twice the chance of being healthy at 75. Being healthy at 75, according to the study, means being free from chronic diseases, mentally alert, and physically active. The study also highlights the quality of one's diet as a key factor. In addition, the new study, published in "Nature Medicine", shows that those who follow a plant-based and balanced diet have significantly better chances of staying mentally fit in old age. However, it's important to note that the study did not specifically discuss the Mediterranean or Alternative Healthy Eating Index diets. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy diet as we age for both physical and mental wellbeing. As we continue to age, it's crucial to focus on a diet rich in fresh, minimally processed whole foods and low in sugar, red meat, and highly processed foods to ensure a longer and healthier life.
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