Midlife intakes of high-quality carbohydrates and dietary fiber linked to better health in older women

A recent study conducted by researchers from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has shed light on the importance of dietary fiber, high-quality carbohydrates, and total carbohydrates in promoting healthy aging in older women.

The study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, aimed to understand the long-term effects of carbohydrate intake on health outcomes. Lead author Andres Ardisson Korat highlighted the significance of carbohydrate quality in healthy aging, emphasizing the need to look beyond immediate effects and consider how dietary choices impact health over the years.

The researchers analyzed data from the Nurses’ Health Study, tracking the diets and health outcomes of over 47,000 women over a span of 30 years. They found that intakes of total carbohydrates, high-quality carbohydrates from sources like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, as well as total dietary fiber, were associated with a 6 to 37% greater likelihood of healthy aging and positive mental and physical health outcomes.

Conversely, consumption of refined carbohydrates and starchy vegetables was linked to a 13% lower odds of healthy aging. These findings align with previous research showing that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can lower the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall health.

Senior author Qi Sun highlighted the importance of these results in understanding the connection between food choices and health outcomes. The study population, primarily composed of white health professionals, may limit the generalizability of the findings, prompting the need for future research in more diverse cohorts.

Further investigation is needed to uncover the mechanisms linking dietary fiber and high-quality carbohydrates to healthy aging. Understanding these relationships can inform dietary recommendations and help individuals make informed choices to support healthy aging.

In conclusion, the study underscores the impact of carbohydrate quality on long-term health outcomes and emphasizes the role of diet in promoting healthy aging. By making mindful choices and incorporating high-quality carbohydrates and dietary fiber into their diets, individuals can enhance their chances of aging well and enjoying good mental and physical health in later years.