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A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that women who consume higher amounts of high-quality carbohydrates and dietary fiber during midlife are significantly more likely to experience healthy aging. The research, led by Dr. Andres V. Ardisson Korat of the US Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, analyzed data from 47,513 female participants over a period spanning more than three decades.
Key Findings
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Healthy Aging Odds: Women who derived a greater proportion of their calories from high-quality carbohydrates-such as those found in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes-had a 31% higher chance of healthy aging for every 10% increase in calorie intake from these sources.
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Dietary Fiber: Increased intake of total dietary fiber, especially from fruits, vegetables, and cereals, was also linked to higher odds (7% to 17% per standard deviation increment) of healthy aging.
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Refined Carbohydrates: In contrast, higher consumption of refined carbohydrates was associated with a 13% lower likelihood of aging healthily.
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Glycemic Index: Diets with a higher glycemic index and a greater carbohydrate-to-fiber ratio were inversely associated with healthy aging, suggesting that not all carbohydrates are created equal.
Study Details
The research utilized data from the long-running Nurses’ Health Study, tracking participants from 1984 to 2016. Nutrient intake was assessed using food frequency questionnaires, and healthy aging was defined as the absence of major chronic diseases, cognitive and physical function impairments, and good mental health. Only 7.8% of the participants met the criteria for healthy aging by the study’s end.
Implications
“These findings suggest that choosing carbohydrates wisely-favoring those from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes-can play a crucial role in promoting long-term health and well-being in women,” the study authors concluded.
Limitations
The study population consisted mostly of well-educated women who already consumed a relatively high amount of quality carbohydrates, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to the broader population. Additionally, dietary assessments were based on self-reported questionnaires, which can introduce measurement errors. The data also reflect dietary patterns from more than a decade ago, so recent changes in diet trends were not captured.
Disclaimer
This article summarizes findings from a scientific study and is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as medical advice. Individuals should consult healthcare professionals before making significant changes to their diet or lifestyle.
Source: Medscape, JAMA Network Open, Nurses’ Health Study
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