Longevity and healthspan is a complex equation but the foods we choose to eat (and the way we prepare them) have much to do with a healthy life. Many studies have strived to identify foods associated with longer lifespans. It is essential to integrate the most reliable evidence regarding the intake of different food groups and the risk of mortality to optimize dietary guidance.
As we continue to explore methods to live healthier, longer lives, diet has emerged as a key player in anti-aging research. A new study reviewed all existing data of high quality, and the findings are not a shock to plant-based eaters like so many following at the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity.
INVESTIGATING THE FOODS WE EAT AND LONGEVITY
The authors comprehensively and systematically reviewed 41 meta-analyses involving over a million participants. Of the 41 studies, 18 were rated high quality, 8 moderate quality, 5 low quality, and 10 critically low quality.
RESULTS
The food groups under consideration included edible grains (refined and whole grains), fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, fish and fish products, eggs, dairy products/milk, meat and meat products (including processed meat, unprocessed red and white meat), sugar-sweetened beverages, and added sugars.
The findings revealed that higher consumption of nuts, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fish was associated with lower mortality rates, both in high versus low comparisons and per-serving analyses. Similarly, we observed favorable outcomes for legumes and white meat in high versus low comparisons.
Conversely, high intakes of red and processed meats, as well as sugar-sweetened beverages, were linked to higher all-cause mortality.
Dairy products and refined grains did not show clear associations with mortality, while there was a tendency in all-cause mortality for high intakes of added sugars and eggs.
The authors stated that “Our results support the associated longevity benefits from increased consumption of nuts, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dish – all clearly associated with lower mortality rates with increasing intakes.”
DISCUSSION
The findings of this analysis are similar to a prior large study by the Global Burden of Disease research groups. Foods like nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits and vegetables are consistently the “green light” foods for healthspan and longevity.
As a plant-based diet of whole foods is taught at the Kahn Center, these new data further support The Plant Based Solution is the optimal path for health.
About the author: Dr. Joel Kahn is one of the world’s top cardiologists and he is passionate about scientifically showing the body’s ability to heal itself through proper nutrition. He is on a mission to try to prevent heart disease and all future heart attacks by educating and inspiring people to follow an active and holistic lifestyle by applying cutting-edge science to their lives.
At his core, Dr. Joel Kahn believes that plant-based nutrition is the most powerful source of preventative medicine on the planet. Having practiced traditional cardiology since 1983, it was only after his own commitment to a plant-based vegan diet that Dr. Kahn truly began to delve into the realm of non-traditional diagnostic tools, prevention tactics, and nutrition-based recovery protocols.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2161831325000298
