Gaby
A team of researchers from three universities—Harvard (USA), the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), and the University of Montreal (Canada)—has identified an optimal diet for healthy aging. By healthy aging, the researchers mean reaching age 70 in good mental and physical health and free from chronic disease.
After analyzing eight dietary patterns, the team concluded that the “Alternative Healthy Eating Index” (AHEI) performed best. The AHEI ranked first among the diets they studied, Science Alert reported.
The AHEI was developed by Harvard researchers. The diet prioritizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and healthy fats, while minimizing red and processed meats, sugary drinks, and salt.
The researchers also found that strict adherence to any of the healthy diets they examined increased the chances of healthy aging. Recommendations across these diets largely overlap: nutritionists emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and unsaturated fats.
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 people, comparing their dietary patterns with eight healthy eating models. When participants reached age 70, the researchers assessed their health status.
Overall, 9,771 people met the study’s criteria for healthy aging at that age. Among them, the AHEI showed the strongest benefits. Participants with the highest adherence to the AHEI had an 86 percent higher chance of being healthy at age 70 than those with the lowest adherence.
“Our results also showed that there is no one-size-fits-all diet. Healthy diets can be tailored to individual needs and preferences,” said 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 study was published in the journal Nature Medicine.
