Healthy food can prolong life

In recent years, the growth of life expectancy in the world has begun to slow down, which has forced scientists to look for new ways to combat premature death. Traditionally, it was believed that longevity is largely determined by heredity. Experts, having studied the data of the British biobank for ten years, came to the conclusion that food discipline can cover many genetic risks.

The researchers analyzed five popular dietary patterns, including the Mediterranean diet and the Hypertension Control Diet (DASH). They are all based on common principles: lots of vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and limiting red meat and sugar. It turned out that strict adherence to any of these nutrition plans reduces the risk of death by 18-24%.

The longevity statistics in numbers look inspiring. If a man switches to high-quality nutrition at the age of 45, he can add 2 to 3 years to his life. Women in a similar situation receive on average about 2 additional years. The most notable results were shown by diets aimed at reducing the risk of diabetes and maintaining vascular health.

Of particular interest is the work with the genetic code. Scientists have calculated a special longevity index for each participant. It turned out that people with “bad” genes got even more benefits from healthy food than those who inherited their longevity from their parents. The diet helped the body compensate for biological vulnerabilities, especially in protecting against cancer and respiratory diseases.

At the same time, the best health indicators were recorded in those who combined good heredity with correct habits. However, the absence of “successful” genes is not a verdict. The right plate of food works as an affordable and effective tool that helps you live into old age in good shape, regardless of innate factors.

The authors emphasize that it is important not to focus on individual superfoods, but to adhere to a common nutrition model. Consistency in the choice of healthy foods gives a cumulative effect, which eventually turns into real years of life.