A new 15-year study published in Nature Aging has shown that eating certain foods as we age may delay the onset of various chronic diseases, including dementia and heart disease.
The study followed over 2,400 older adults in Sweden. Over the 15-year study period, the participants had their dietary intake tracked and were monitored for the development of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, dementia, diabetes, cancer, and more. At the start of the study, the participants had an average age of about 72 years. The participants had various levels of adherence to healthy diets throughout the study, including versions of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet. Their intake of foods considered unhealthy was also measured using an inflammatory diet index. Foods considered inflammatory include food groups like red and processed meats, refined grains, and added sugar. The goal of this study was to determine the speed of accumulation of chronic diseases in older adults in relation to their dietary intake.
The results showed that people with better adherence to healthier diets, such as variations of the Mediterranean diet, had a slower onset of many chronic diseases. In particular, the development of cardiovascular disease and dementia were slowed. However, chronic diseases related to muscles and bones were not slowed. Those who had a more inflammatory diet had quicker onset of chronic diseases, and particularly showed an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The authors stated that this study shows the importance of diet in influencing the development of chronic diseases as we age. In particular, diet seems to be a modifiable factor that has potential to stop or slow the development of cardiovascular disease and dementia. For optimal health outcomes, follow a diet focused on whole grains, vegetables, nuts, and healthy fats while avoiding processed foods, added sugars, and refined grains.
Sources: Nature Aging, Science Daily
