- Higher adherence to certain dietary patterns, such as the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), is associated with greater odds of healthy aging.
- Specific foods linked to healthy aging include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats, nuts, legumes, and low-fat dairy products.
- Higher intakes of trans fats, sodium, sugary beverages, and red or processed meats are inversely associated with healthy aging.
- Plant-based diets, with moderate inclusion of healthy animal-based foods, may enhance overall healthy aging, especially for women and individuals with certain lifestyle factors.
- The study covered 105,015 participants from the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study over 30 years.
Source: Nature Medicine