How Your Midlife Diet Shapes Your Health at 70: Insights from a New Study | CNN

What does it take to live until 70 and stay healthy? A recent study gives us some answers. Researchers from Harvard followed over 100,000 Americans for nearly 30 years, exploring how their diets affect healthy aging.

The findings, published in the journal Nature Medicine, show that healthy eating earlier in life can lead to better health as we age. This squarely links our food choices to how well we age, even when considering other factors like exercise and smoking.

According to Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and health educator, the study collected detailed dietary data from participants over decades. They tracked how often participants consumed more than 130 different foods. This extensive data helped researchers identify patterns related to health outcomes.

Out of the nearly 105,000 participants, 9.3% (about 9,771 people) reached age 70 without chronic diseases or serious health issues. The study highlighted key foods that were beneficial for healthy aging. Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats made a difference. On the flip side, consuming trans fats, salt, sugary drinks, and processed meats hurt health outcomes.

This study aligns with others showing that filling our plates with more whole foods and fewer ultra-processed items can boost longevity. Wen emphasizes that we should aim for a diet rich in natural foods, which includes lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Lean proteins like fish and poultry can be healthful as well, while avoiding highly processed meats is vital.

Interestingly, while this research focused on people in their 40s to 60s, it suggests that good eating habits shouldn’t wait. Even younger people can benefit from making healthier choices, and it’s never too late to start. The sooner we adopt a nutritious diet, the better our chances of healthy aging.

The study also brings attention to foods we should limit. Soft drinks, sugary fruit drinks, and ultra-processed snacks are linked to negative health outcomes. Recognizing these foods can help us make better choices. When checking labels, if a product has many ingredients and additives, it’s likely ultra-processed and not the healthiest option.

Policy has a big role too. In many areas, fresh fruits and vegetables can be expensive and hard to find, while processed foods are often cheaper. Advocating for better access to nutritious foods can lead to healthier communities. As we explore these insights, it’s clear that what we eat greatly impacts our health and longevity, reinforcing the importance of nutrition in public health strategies.

Overall, this research reinforces the idea that a balanced diet is a cornerstone for healthy aging. Let’s prioritize whole foods and be mindful of what goes into our bodies. Good decisions can pave the way for a long and healthy life.

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