Earlier Healthy Diets Lead to Improved Aging and Cognition Finds Healio Study

Healthy Eating in Midlife Can Improve Cognitive Health and Promote Healthy Aging

Introduction

Eating healthy has been linked to numerous health benefits, including preventing chronic diseases and maintaining a healthy weight. However, recent studies show that eating a nutritious diet in midlife can also improve cognitive health and promote healthy aging. In this article, we’ll delve into two new studies that elucidate the importance of healthy eating patterns in midlife to promote cognitive health and healthy aging.

Associations between Healthy Eating and Cognitive Health

A study conducted by Kelly C. Cara and colleagues analyzed data from over 3,000 adults enrolled in the 1946 British Birth Cohort of the National Survey of Health and Development study. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of healthy eating and evaluate its association with cognitive outcomes. Researchers found that individuals who adhered to a high-quality diet had better cognitive abilities than those who consumed a low-quality diet. Furthermore, global cognitive ability was directly associated with dietary quality over time. These results suggest that adopting healthy dietary patterns early in life and maintaining them can promote cognitive health and mitigate cognitive decline in later years.

According to Cara, the most protective dietary patterns were those with whole or less processed plant-food groups like leafy green vegetables, beans, whole fruits, and whole grains. Other studies have suggested that a Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, may also promote cognitive health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

The Link Between Healthy Eating and Healthy Aging

Adopting healthy eating habits in midlife may also promote healthy aging, according to a study by Anne-Julie Tessier and colleagues. The study analyzed data of over 106,000 people dating back to the 1980s and aimed to evaluate the associations between healthy eating patterns and overall healthy aging.

The researchers found that individuals who adhered to a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats were between 43% and 84% more likely to be mentally and physically well-functioning at age 70. Conversely, those who consumed a diet high in sodium, meats (red and processed), and trans fats had lower odds of healthy aging.

The alternative healthy eating index, which reflects the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, had the strongest correlation with healthy aging. The study showed that adhering closely to this dietary pattern resulted in an 84% higher likelihood of achieving healthy aging compared to those in the lowest quintile.

There was also a strong correlation between healthy aging and the planetary health diet, which emphasizes sustainable sources of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, plant proteins, and healthy fats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these two studies highlight the importance of healthy eating habits in midlife to promote cognitive health and overall healthy aging. Adopting a nutrient-dense diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats can lead to better cognitive abilities and higher odds of achieving healthy aging. These findings underscore the significance of developing healthy dietary patterns early in life and maintaining them as a long-term goal for overall health and well-being.

Originally Post From https://www.healio.com/news/primary-care/20240703/earlier-healthy-diets-pave-way-for-healthy-aging-improved-cognition