Scientists from the University of Bergen presented a study that proves that changing the diet for adults increases life expectancy by 6-7 years, and for young people by 10 years. These papers are based on research on diet, life expectancy and the Global Burden of Disease.
Analyzing the data, the scientists found out how life expectancy changes with the exclusion or removal from the diet of fruits, vegetables, whole and refined grains, nuts, legumes, fish, eggs, dairy products, red and processed meat, and sugary drinks. Researchers have developed a longevity-promoting diet and compared it to a traditional Western diet of processed foods, red meat, full-fat dairy, high-sugar foods, and processed foods. At the same time, this diet is characterized by a reduced consumption of fruits and vegetables.
The optimal diet, according to scientists, includes more legumes, whole grains and nuts, and less red and processed meat. If you follow this diet from the age of 20, then this increases life expectancy by more than 10 years for residents of Europe, the USA and China.
Switching from a Western diet to an optimal diet at the age of 60 contributes to an extension of life by 8 years, and at the age of 80 - by 3.5 years. Scientists recognize that most people will not be able to completely change the diet, so they recommend resorting to a hybrid diet, which is located between the optimal and Western diets. Following such a diet from the age of 20 can extend life by 6 years for women and more than 7 years for men.
These data allow us to conclude that a change in diet at any age will have a positive impact on life expectancy, but the most effective will be the transition to a healthy diet at an earlier age.
This study does not take into account past ill health that affects life expectancy. Therefore, the work reflects the impact of diet on averages, which may differ under the influence of other factors: diseases, genetics and lifestyle. The last factor includes smoking, alcohol consumption and exercise.
However, the work of scientists confirms the findings of other studies that reported that a healthy diet and lifestyle have a positive effect on a person's condition and life expectancy. It is currently unknown why an optimal diet increases longevity, but it includes many foods that contain antioxidants. A study by a research team from the European Cancer Institute shows that these substances help slow down and prevent cell damage, thereby curbing the aging process.
Last summer, American and Japanese scientists presented work that a high content of bacteria that can form unique compounds in the intestines of centenarians can prevent the development of infectious diseases. The composition of the intestinal microbiota may be determined by diet and genetic factors.
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