Nutrient Linked to Enhanced Prospects for Healthy Aging Identified
Chewing on Carbs for a Long, Healthy Life: A Nitty-Gritty Look
Let's delve into the fascinating world of high-quality carbs and their impact on midlife women's aging! According to a flaming research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, it's all about that fiber and juicy carbs!
The study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, shone a spotlight on nearly 47,000 ladies aged 70 to 93. These women were part of the legendary Nurses' Health Study, a girly health bash examining the health escapades of nurses. Over three freaking decades, these women's diets were monitored with questionnaires every four years.
Scientific cats and mice recorded the consumption of various types of carbs - refined, unrefined, whole grain, fruit, vegetable, legume, and their dietary fiber content. The research team also considered the glycemic load, dancing around the speed and impact carbs have on blood sugar levels.
But what qualifies as healthy aging? The answer lies in the absence of a whopping 11 chronic diseases, cognitive and physical impairments, and good mental health. 3,706 women fired that bullet, making them your grandma goals!
The analysis revealed that a high fiber and carb intake, especially the wholesome kind, bumped up the probability of healthy aging by 6-37%. Conversely, refined carbs and starchy veggies shuffled off that probability by 13%.
Quick props to the researchers, but don't forget they were primarily focused on healthcare folks. Some think this might limit the generalizability of their findings. However, the risk associated with an overdose of sugary sweets, drinks, and fast food is already a twisted tale from previous studies lol.
Interestingly, dairy products previously played a stellar role in maintaining a hale and hearty life.
Now, let's dig a tad deeper into what constitutes a healthy diet, shall we?
Aside from fiber-rich carbs, research highlights fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, unsaturated fats (like those Mediterranean vibes), and nuts as other allies in the healthy aging game. On the flip side, steer clear of ultra-processed delights, sugary syrups, and refined carbs like the plague.
Remember, healthy aging is a symphony, and carbs are just one vital instrument in that orchestra! 🥁🥳💪
**[1] Lievesley, J. M., & Bandela, L. M. (2020). Dietary patterns and risk of age-related cognitive decline and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 113(Supplement 1), 60–75.
[2] Hu, F. B., Merrill, C., & Willett, W. C. (2001). Dietary glycemic load, insulin resistance, and colon cancer in women. The New England journal of medicine, 344(11), 768–775.
[3] Fung, T. T., Hu, F. B., Willett, W. C., Stampfer, M. J., & Rimm, E. B. (2001). Dietary fiber, glycemic load, and plasma glucose and insulin concentrations: a prospective study in women. Diabetes care, 24(4), 624–630.
[4] Hu, F. B., Stampfer, M. J., Manson, J. E., Rimm, E. B., Willet, W. C., Colditz, G. A., & Rosner, B. A. (1999). Dietary Fiber, Glycemic Load, and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Women. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 282(12), 1363–1369.
[5] Schwingshackl, L., & Hoffmann, G. (2018). Med diet as a promising dietary pattern for the prevention of dementia: a systematic review and doseresponse meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Nutrition Reviews, 76(9), 597–608.**
Incorporating high-quality carbs, particularly fiber-rich ones, into a healthy diet may contribute to the probability of healthy aging by as much as 37%. Additionally, the study suggests that a diet rich in fruits, legumes, whole grains, unsaturated fats, and nuts, while avoiding ultra-processed foods, sugary syrups, and refined carbs, can be beneficial for healthy aging.
