The idea of adopting a healthy and long-lasting lifestyle is gradually gaining ground in our daily lives. We saw this with a detailed analysis of the Blue Zones, places where longevity reigns supreme, and we're discovering it today thanks to a study. This research, which also involved scholars from the University of Bologna and involved over a million people, also involved researchers. Let's see which foods, according to this study, promote a healthy and long life and which ones, on the other hand, shorten it.
Dried Fruit and Cereals, a Dose of Longevity
Eating nuts and whole grains daily can extend your life. This is according to a study based on 41 systematic reviews and meta-analyses involving over a million people. The research, published in the journal Advances in Nutrition, examined the impact of 14 food groups on longevity and mortality. According to the study, a diet based on nuts, unrefined grains, fish, and vegetables can extend life and, consequently, is closely correlated with a reduced mortality rate. The aforementioned food groups have been considered excellent for overall well-being and lifespan. A high consumption of legumes and white meat, although to a lesser extent, also contributes to good overall longevity.
But which foods, according to this study, should be avoided? The study explains that frequent consumption of red and processed meats and sugary drinks can increase the mortality rate. Therefore, if the goal is to live a long life, it's important to limit the consumption of certain types of food. As for dairy products, however, the study found no association with lifespan, either positively or negatively.
Essential Nutrients and Disease Prevention
The researchers clarified that the results of this study confirm the longevity benefits associated with the consumption of nuts (dried fruit in general), whole grains, vegetables, and seasonal fruit. "These foods," they explain, "are rich in crucial nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and healthy fats, which are essential for improving metabolism. Furthermore, they can prevent non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, or cardiovascular diseases." The study also explains that foods such as those mentioned contain antioxidants and bioactive substances that influence stress reduction, enhancing immune and endothelial functions. The endothelium is the tissue that lines the inside of the walls of the heart, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels.
Experts emphasized the importance of further research to further explore the differences within food groups. The specific role of each type of fruit, vegetable, and meat should be further analyzed, as well as how these foods are prepared and how they influence their health effects. "Suboptimal dietary patterns," the researchers explain, "are risk factors for diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and various cardiovascular problems."
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