Healthy eating provides multiple benefits, such as better overall well-being and a more efficient cardiovascular system. According to recent research, consuming the appropriate foods could extend life expectancy by up to ten years.
In previous studies, it was assessed how dietary modifications could improve life expectancy without accounting for factors like weight, height, or physical activity. This study adjusts for these variables and analyzes a diverse group of participants from seven different countries.
The research utilized dietary patterns specific to each country, with participants switching to one of three diets aimed at testing different health outcomes. These diets were an optimized longevity diet, a more practical diet, and an optimized vegan diet. The focus was on the consumption of fifteen food groups. Notably, the diet designed for maximum longevity recommends daily intakes of seven servings of whole grains, five servings of vegetables, and five servings of fruits. Additionally, the researchers highlighted the importance of reducing the intake of red and processed meats, sugars, and sugary drinks.
The increase in life expectancy, reflecting additional years of life, spanned from 4-11.3 years among participants. This range was influenced by the participant’s age and the particular dietary approach they followed from the three options provided in the study.
The participants who adopted the more practical dietary changes consumed a diet that was a midpoint between a typical Western diet and one optimized for longevity. These moderate adjustments still positively impacted life expectancy, potentially adding as much as five years for individuals starting at 40 years old.
The study conclusively demonstrated that boosting consumption of whole grains and legumes while reducing red and processed meats, sugary foods and sugar-sweetened beverages can enhance life expectancy. Sustaining these dietary changes could potentially extend some individuals’ lives by up to a decade. Additionally, a healthier diet is linked to numerous beneficial health outcomes.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Life expectancy gains from dietary modifications: a comparative modeling study in 7 countries
