A new study from Tufts University reveals that dietary fiber and high-quality carbohydrates can significantly contribute to healthier aging and overall wellness in older women. Published in the journal JAMA Network Open, the research found that midlife consumption of these nutrients is linked to improved health outcomes in older adulthood.
The study defines healthy aging as the absence of 11 major chronic diseases, good mental and physical health, and the absence of functional impairments. Researchers collected data from the Nurses’ Health Study, involving 47,000 women aged 70 to 93. The findings show that diets rich in fiber and unrefined carbohydrates are associated with a 6% to 37% increase in the likelihood of healthy aging and improved cognitive and physical wellness.
In contrast, diets high in refined carbohydrates, such as added sugars and refined grains, were linked to a 13% reduced chance of healthy aging. Lead author Andres Ardisson Korat emphasized that the study underscores the importance of carbohydrate quality over quantity. Experts like Melanie Avalon noted that replacing 5% of carbohydrate calories with protein can also reduce the risk of unhealthy aging by up to 37%. However, the study’s limitations include its focus on white female healthcare workers, highlighting the need for more diverse research to fully understand the dietary factors influencing healthy aging.