Poor diet is a leading risk factor for a range of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and other obesity-related conditions. According to a new study led by Spanish researchers, a certain type of diet could be the key to reducing mortality among seniors.
We know that diet plays a crucial role in health. Indeed, a poor diet can expose you to a higher risk of developing chronic diseases, in particular cardiovascular illnesses, and thus be the cause of an increase in mortality. This is why it is essential to have a varied and balanced diet, but also adapted to your age and nutritional needs. In a recent study published In The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, researchers were interested in the effects of different diets on mortality of people over 65 from all causes.
What type of diet helps reduce the risk of mortality among seniors?
To carry out their study, the scientists analyzed data from 597 people aged 65 and over, who participated in a cohort study on age-related muscle degeneration, entitled “European Eye Study” (EUREYE). For the study to run smoothly, participants had to answer questionnaires aimed at collecting information on their lifestyle such as their alcohol and tobacco consumption, their eating habits as well as their socio-demographic characteristics. The researchers then studied for twelve years the impact of three diets composed largely of foods of plant origin on mortality long-term outcomes of participants across all causes. The different foods constituting the three types of diets established by scientists have thus been classified into several categories: a first category with healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and olive oil and a second category with foods harmful to health such as refined cereals, fries or crisps, fruit juicessweetened drinks, desserts and sweets.
A diet based on fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of mortality among seniors
After analyzing the results, the researchers discovered that participants aged 65 and over who adhered to a diet rich in healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables and with very few unhealthy foods had reduced mortality. combined causes reduced in the long term. Conversely, senior participants who followed a diet based on foods of plant origin but also foods harmful to health saw their risk of mortality from all causes as well as their risks of developing cardiovascular diseases increase. .
Sources :
- Pro-vegetarian dietary patterns and mortality by all-cause and specific causes in an older Mediterranean population – The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging
- Healthy plant-based diets cut mortality risks for Spain’s seniors – News Mecidal
The testimonies readers
Babette47, 72 ans
“I avoid bread and dairy products”
Following treatment (biotherapy) still ongoing, I am inexorably gaining fat on my stomach.
As for food: I avoid bread and dairy products, but I like raw vegetables to the detriment of cooked vegetables, especially in summer! I eat fruit and I love ice cream (priority to sorbets). By paying close attention to my diet, I am able to limit the damage but I still feel like I’m 6 months pregnant!
What works for me: I tried a famous convenience food diet, which gave some results but didn’t make me lose my belly. I have gained weight because I prefer fresh food to prepared meals, and I also find it very expensive. Yoga relaxes me so I think less about my excess weight and walking oxygenates me and allows me to maintain an almost reasonable weight. However, I wear less and less dresses, having the impression that pants with a tunic camouflage my belly more! This for 3 years, I’m 72 but I want to stay stylish! What to do ?
