New research suggests that women who consume more dietary fibre and high-quality carbohydrates in midlife are more likely to enjoy healthy ageing.
The findings, in JAMA Network Open, reveal that whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes could increase the likelihood of healthy ageing by up to 37 per cent in women.
Researchers analysed data from Nurses' Health Study questionnaires collected between 1984 and 2016, examining the midlife diets and eventual health outcomes of more than 47,000 women aged 70 to 93 in 2016.
The team defined healthy ageing as the absence of 11 major chronic diseases, no cognitive or physical function impairments and good mental health.
Whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes could increase the likelihood of healthy ageing
GETTY
Dietary information was derived from validated food-frequency questionnaires that tracked intake of various carbohydrates, including refined and high-quality options, as well as dietary fibre.
Of the participants studied, 3,706 women met the criteria for healthy ageing.
The analysis showed that intakes of total carbohydrates, high-quality carbohydrates from whole foods, and dietary fibre in midlife were linked to 37 per cent greater likelihood of healthy ageing and several areas of positive mental and physical health.
Conversely, refined carbohydrates from added sugars, refined grains, potatoes and starchy vegetables were associated with 13 per cent lower odds of healthy ageing.
These findings align with existing evidence that suggests consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes is linked to lower risks of chronic diseases.
"We've all heard that different carbohydrates can affect health differently, whether for weight, energy, or blood sugar levels," said Andres Ardisson Korat, lead author of the study.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Smart food choices could prevent cognitive or physical function impairments in later years
GETTY
"But rather than just look at the immediate effects of these macronutrients, we wanted to understand what they might mean for good health 30 years later."
The researchers acknowledged limitations, noting the study population was mostly white health professionals and that future research in more diverse groups is necessary.
"Studies are starting to find an association between food choices in midlife and quality of life in later years," added Ardisson.
"The more we can understand about healthy ageing, the more science can help people live healthier for longer," added Ardisson.
