A study reveals that a diet rich in quality carbohydrates and fiber in living environment is associated with healthy aging in women.
Carbohydrates and aging: what a vast study shows
Researchers from Harvard and Tufts University have analyzed the data of the famous nurses ‘study (nurses’ Health Study), relating to more than 47,000 women followed between 1984 and 2016 (1).
The results show that women who consumed more Good quality carbohydrates from Full cereals, fruits, vegetables, legumesas well as dietary fiberhad between 6 and 37 % additional chance to age in good health. Researchers define “healthy aging” as the absence of 11 major chronic diseases, good mental health, and the maintenance of physical and cognitive functions.
Read: how to cook pulses
Refined carbohydrates: a risk factor for aging
Conversely, a diet rich in Refined carbohydrates – especially Added sugars, refined cereals And potatoes – was associated with a 13 % drop chances of aging well.
According to Andres Ardisson Korat, principal author of the study, “Our results suggest that carbohydrate quality can be an important factor for healthy aging. »»
A study to be put into perspective, but coherent results
However, this study presents a limit: the participants were all health professionals, which can limit the generalization of results to the entire population.
For Qi Sun, associate professor at Harvard (2), these results nevertheless confirm what other research suggests, “Our results are consistent with other evidence linking the consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes at lower risks of chronic diseases, and we now see the association with the indicators of physical and cognitive functions. »»
Retain
- High consumption of quality carbohydrates and fibers in living environment is associated with a Healthy aging.
- THE Refined carbohydrates decrease this probability.
- The study is based on data of more than 47,000 women followed for over 30 years.
- These results are added to the evidence linking a diet rich in plants to better health.
Conclusion: What carbohydrates to favor to age well?
The carbohydrates present in whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetablesare to be preferred. They are rich in fiber.
Conversely, it is better to avoid potatoes, which are foods rich in starch with high glycemic index, refined cereals and added sugars.
