Gaby
A team of researchers from three universities—Harvard (USA), the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), and the University of Montreal (Canada)—has identified the best diet for healthy aging. By healthy aging, the researchers mean reaching the age of 70 in good mental and physical shape, free from any chronic diseases.
After analyzing eight dietary models, the scientists concluded that the “Alternative Healthy Eating Index” (AHEI) is the best option. This diet ranked first among the dietary models studied, according to Science Alert.
The AHEI was developed by Harvard researchers. The diet prioritizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and healthy fats, while minimizing the intake of red and processed meats, sugary drinks, and salt.
The researchers also noted that strict adherence to any diet increases the chances of healthy aging. Moreover, recommendations for healthy eating largely overlap: nutritionists often highlight fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and unsaturated fats in this context.
How Did the Researchers Choose the Best Diet?
“Previous studies focused on dietary habits in relation to specific diseases or longevity. Our approach is more multifaceted; we asked how diet affects people’s ability to enjoy a good quality of life as they age,” said Frank Hu, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard.
For three decades, the team tracked the eating habits of 105,015 individuals, comparing their dietary patterns with eight healthy eating systems. When participants reached the age of 70, the researchers assessed their health status.
Overall, 9,771 individuals at this age met the criteria for healthy aging. Among these, the AHEI diet showed the most significant benefits for achieving such results. Participants who ranked in the top five for adherence to AHEI had an 86 percent higher chance of being healthy at age 70 compared to those in the bottom five.
“Our results also showed that there is no one-size-fits-all diet. Healthy diets can be tailored to individual needs and preferences,” noted Anne Julie Tessier, a professor of dietetics at the University of Montreal.
“Our findings indicate that a diet rich in plant-based foods, with moderate inclusion of beneficial animal products, can contribute to overall healthy aging,” concluded Marta Guasch-Ferré, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Copenhagen.
The findings of the study were published in the journal Nature Medicine.
