Latest news with #AlternativeHealthyEatingIndex
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
How the diet shapes healthy ageing
Across the world, the population of older adults has increased over time. And over 80% of them suffer from at least one chronic health disorder. The U.S. Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organisation (WHO) point out that promoting global health is a priority. They both point out that a better-quality diet is beneficial for the prevention of heart attacks, diabetes and premature death. The Mediterranean Diet, much lauded by health researchers as an ideal one, uses plant-based foods — vegetables, fruits, legumes and natural oils, moderate amounts of poultry and eggs — and avoids red meat. People there who practice this diet do live longer and healthier lives. Indeed, a typical food in India, with wheat or rice, dal, sabji with lots of greens, and curd/buttermilk, (and for non-vegetarians: eggs and fish but little or no meat), is essentially Mediterranean. Towards this, two recent articles highlight the best food that we should take for healthy ageing. One in the April 3 issue of the journal Nature, titled 'The Best and Worst Foods for Healthy Ageing', points out that people who eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables are more likely to reach the age of 70 without major physical or cognitive impairments. This article offers the advice that the recommendation to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables is well-founded: a large-scale 30-year study on dietary habits shows that diets high in these foods are associated with healthier ageing. The massive study itself is published in Nature Medicine, titled 'Optimal dietary patterns for healthy ageing'. The message here is 'get more fibre in your diet, eat more vegetables, pulses such as beans, lentils, and eat less fats and animal meat', suggesting that this practice will help senior citizens live a healthier life. In this study, health experts from the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Denmark analysed data from two major studies: the Nurses' Health Study (tracking hospital workers and medical professionals) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (examining men's diet and lifestyle linked to serious illnesses such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases). By looking at the records of 70,000 women and 30,000 men, they uncovered key insights into how our eating habits affect our health. A healthful plant-based diet was seen to be highly associated with healthy ageing. Researchers examined how long-term adherence to plant-rich dietary patterns, moderately supplemented with healthy animal-based foods, enhances healthy ageing. They examined the association between eight healthy dietary patterns. One, called Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), focuses on a scoring system that evaluates diet quality based on its alignment with recommendations for a healthy diet (greens, low fat, low sugar, and avoid foods causing cancer and high blood pressure). The second, called the Alternate Mediterranean Index (aMED), is adapted for populations outside of the Mediterranean region, and offers long term benefits for the elderly. The third, called Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), is primarily focused on controlling high blood pressure. Others, such as the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) and healthful plant-based Diet (hPDI), also emphasise a plant-rich and nutrient-dense diet that avoids highly processed foods. In summary, the groups suggest that a diet with plant-rich foods, plus a moderate amount of animal-based foods, is best for living longer and healthier.
India Today
13-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Your child's diet could influence when periods begin
The food you eat during childhood could influence when a girl experiences her first period, according to researchers from the University of to the new study, published in the journal Human Reproduction, diets high in inflammatory foods may lead to an earlier onset of menstruation, which in turn is linked to higher risks of chronic diseases in study found that eating healthier foods was linked to a later start of menstruation, while eating more unhealthy, inflammatory foods was linked to an earlier start, no matter the child's weight or Since getting your period earlier can increase the risk of health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and breast cancer later in life, making better food choices during childhood could help reduce these found that girls who consumed more inflammatory foods, such as red and processed meats, refined grains, and sugary drinks, had a 15% greater chance of getting their first period in the following month. Since getting your period earlier can increase the risk of health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and breast cancer later in life, making better food choices during childhood could help reduce these risks. () advertisementIn contrast, those who ate healthier diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, nuts, and legumes had an 8% lower risk."An early first period is not just a milestone, it's a signal for potential long-term health issues like breast cancer, heart disease, and diabetes,' said senior study author Dr. Holly Harris, associate professor of epidemiology at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in study analysed data from over 7,500 children aged 9 to 14 who were part of the Growing Up Today Study (GUTS). Researchers tracked dietary patterns and the age at which menstruation began using two indices: the Alternative Healthy Eating Index and the Empirical Dietary Inflammatory body fat has long been thought to play a central role in triggering early puberty, the study found that the link between diet and early menstruation persisted even after adjusting for body mass index (BMI). While body fat has long been thought to play a central role in triggering early puberty, the study found that the link between diet and early menstruation persisted even after adjusting for body mass index. () This suggests that other aspects of a poor diet, such as its inflammatory nature, could be driving early hormonal factors may also contribute. Previous research points to air pollution and certain personal care products containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals as possible influences on early help reduce risks, the researchers recommended providing children with access to healthier meals, especially through school Reel
Epoch Times
08-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Girls' Diets May Affect the Timing of Their First Period
Girls who eat a healthy diet as children, regardless of their body size, may start their first menstrual period at an older age compared to those who eat less healthy foods, according to a new Based on the results, the types of food eaten by girls during childhood and adolescence, and whether they cause inflammation, may influence the timing of periods, rather than their height and body mass index. The study from University of Washington is the first to examine the connection between specific diets and the age at which periods begin. Recent research has shown that Inflammation a Key Factor Researchers evaluated the diet of over 7,500 girls aged 9 to 14 through questionnaires and analyzed if it was healthy or prone to cause inflammation. The 20 percent of girls with the healthiest diets, as measured by having the highest scores on the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), were 8 percent less likely to start their first period within the next month compared to those with the lowest scores. Conversely, the 20 percent of participants with diets most likely to cause inflammation, as measured by having the highest score for Empirical Dietary Inflammation Pattern (EDIP), were 15 percent more likely to start menstruating in the next month compared to those with the least inflammatory diets. Related Stories 8/24/2016 8/16/2016 The AHEI assigns more points to healthier foods like vegetables, beans, and whole grains, and fewer points to foods like red and processed meats and those containing trans fats and a lot of sodium. The EDIP scores diets based on their potential to cause inflammation. Foods linked to more inflammation include red and processed meat, meat from animal organs, refined grains, and high-energy drinks. Starting periods at an earlier age is with potentially higher risks later in life for conditions including diabetes, obesity, breast cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. 'We observed that these two dietary patterns were associated with age at menarche, indicating that a healthier diet was linked to menstrual periods starting at an older age,' Holly Harris, an associate professor at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle and study lead author, said in a What makes this study particularly significant is that these findings were independent of the girls' body mass index and height—factors previously linked to earlier menstruation. This suggests that food types and their inflammatory effects may play a more important role in menstruation timing than previously understood. Generally, eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fatty fish, nuts, and legumes (polyunsaturated fatty acids), while limiting intake of red and processed meats, refined grains, sugar-sweetened beverages, and added salt, 'benefits everyone regardless of age,' Harris said. 'I think our findings highlight the need for all children and adolescents to have access to healthy meal options, and the importance of school-based breakfasts and lunches being based on evidence-based guidelines,' Harris stated, emphasizing that this age range may be an 'important period' for trying to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Researchers acknowledged study limitations, including the reliance on questionnaire data, which introduces the potential for inaccuracies. Consequently, the researchers were unable to directly account for the influence of body fat. They plan to further investigate how childhood and adolescent diets and body size might relate to the characteristics of menstrual cycles in adulthood. Helping Children Develop Healthy Eating Habits One of the most effective things parents can do is involve their daughters in the food process from 'start to finish,' Jennifer Pallian, a registered dietitian at Foodess, told The Epoch Times. 'This could mean helping plant a few veggies in the garden, choosing produce at the grocery store, or stirring ingredients in the kitchen,' she said. 'When children have a hand in growing or preparing food, they're often more excited to try it.' Pallian emphasized that children learn more from observation than instruction. 'Family meals where kids watch their parents and siblings enjoy a variety of healthy foods are incredibly influential,' she said. Other practical strategies include: Creating a healthy home environment by keeping nutritious foods visible and accessible Making food visually appealing with colorful presentations Establishing consistent meal routines Encouraging children's autonomy in food decisions while avoiding overly restrictive approaches Children are encouraged to serve themselves and be part of food decisions, allowing them to develop a healthy relationship with food, but parents should avoid overly controlling or restrictive approaches, according to Pallian. 'Those tend to backfire and lead to picky eating or power struggles.'
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The healthiest agers followed this diet, according to a sweeping 30 year longevity study
While there is no silver bullet for healthy aging, there are habits that can help you age well—especially when it comes to what you eat. In a 30-year study, researchers found that a certain diet was associated with healthy aging, defined as reaching the age of 70 without any major chronic health conditions, an intact memory, strong mental health, and the physical ability to move freely and climb stairs. Of the over 105,000 people studied, just one in ten were considered healthy agers—and they all had one thing in common: a diet rich in plant-based foods, low in highly processed foods, with a moderate intake of animal-based products. In the study, published last month in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers tracked how closely participants followed a slew of healthy diets. While adhering to any of the diets, including the Mediterranean and Planetary Health diets, increased the chances of healthy aging, the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) was the most influential in improving people's odds of maintaining strong mental and physical health at age 70. Those who adhered most strictly to the AHEI diet had an 86% higher chance of living to 70 without major chronic conditions compared to those who adhered to the diet the least. People who were the most loyal to the AHEI diet also had a 2.24 times greater chance of living healthfully at age 75 compared to those in the lowest quartile of adherence to the diet. This is especially relevant as 80% of older adults have more than one chronic condition, which increases the risk of early mortality. 'Our findings suggest that dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods, with moderate inclusion of healthy animal-based foods, may enhance overall healthy aging, guiding future dietary guidelines,' the researchers conclude. 'The AHEI was also the most strongly associated with maintaining intact physical function and mental health among individual healthy aging domains.' The AHEI diet, developed by Harvard scientists, was created to lower the risk of chronic conditions and emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes. The diet limits intake of animal products and discourages highly processed and sweetened foods, such as juice. Previous research has shown the benefits of plant-based diets rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes. The residents of the world's blue zones, where people reportedly live the longest, are celebrated for eating a minimally processed diet. The 'three sisters,' or food staples, of the blue zone, Nicoya, Costa Rica, for example, are squash, corn, and beans. The study used data from the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study to track individuals between the ages of 39 and 69 over a 30-year period. It contributes to research on how diet influences not only how long you live, but also how long you live in optimal health. For more on aging and nutrition: The 4 foods that science says can help you live to 100 This dietician warns of one major issue with American diets. Here are her 4 tips to fix it An essential predictor of happiness is often overlooked, according to a global study This story was originally featured on
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists Have Pinpointed The Best Diets to Boost Healthy Aging
Old age awaits everyone, but it hits some harder – and earlier – than others. The way we age hinges partly on factors beyond our control, like genes or exposure to pollutants. But research suggests we can still influence the outcome with key behaviors, especially in how we sleep, exercise, and eat. In a new 30-year study, researchers have taken an in-depth look at the links between eating habits and healthy aging, which they define as reaching age 70 without major chronic diseases or declines in cognitive, physical, or mental health. The study is among the first to analyze multiple dietary patterns in middle age in relation to overall healthy aging, explains co-author Frank Hu, epidemiologist at Harvard University. "Studies have previously investigated dietary patterns in the context of specific diseases or how long people live," Hu says. "Ours takes a multifaceted view, asking, 'How does diet impact people's ability to live independently and enjoy a good quality of life as they age?'" Hu and his colleagues used longitudinal data from 105,000 adults between the ages of 39 and 69 (averaging 53 years old), collected between 1986 and 2016 as part of the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. Subjects regularly completed dietary questionnaires over the 30-year period. The authors of the new study scored their eating habits by adherence to eight dietary patterns, seeking to learn which is most likely to promote healthy aging. The eight dietary patterns are: the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), the Alternative Mediterranean Index (aMED), the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND), the healthful plant-based diet (hPDI), the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI), the empirically inflammatory dietary pattern (EDIP), and the empirical dietary index for hyperinsulinemia (EDIH). All eight dietary patterns share some basic inclinations, the researchers note, such as a focus on whole, plant-based foods and healthy fats. In addition to those eight patterns, the study examined subjects' consumption of ultra-processed foods – industrial creations often featuring many ingredients and excessive sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. The study found 9,771 participants met their definition of healthy aging, representing 9.3 percent of the sample population. All eight dietary patterns were associated with healthy aging, the study found, so adhering to any one of them raised a person's odds of staying spry at 70. This suggests the solution isn't simple, the researchers note, and no single diet is best for everyone. That said, one contender did stand out. The best diet overall for healthy aging is the AHEI, according to the findings. It's similar to the older Healthy Eating Index, the researchers explain, but more oriented toward preventing chronic disease. Subjects in the top quintile for the AHEI were 86 percent more likely to achieve healthy aging at 70 than those in the lowest quintile, the study found. If the cutoff age was 75, the top quintile was 2.24 times likelier to age healthily. The AHEI emphasizes plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, while minimizing red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened drinks, sodium, and refined grains. "Since staying active and independent is a priority for both individuals and public health, research on healthy aging is essential," says co-author Marta Guasch-Ferré, Harvard nutritionist. "Our findings suggest that dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods, with moderate inclusion of healthy animal-based foods, may promote overall healthy aging and help shape future dietary guidelines," she adds. While the AHEI showed the best results, it was closely followed by several others, including the aMED, DASH, PHDI, and MIND, the researchers report. Along with the strongest link to overall healthy aging, the AHEI had the strongest link with maintaining physical function and mental health. The PHDI showed the strongest link with maintaining cognitive health and surviving to age 70. Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods, on the other hand, was associated with a lower likelihood of healthy aging. "Our findings also show that there is no one-size-fits-all diet. Healthy diets can be adapted to fit individual needs and preferences," says lead author Anne-Julie Tessier, nutritionist at the University of Montreal. The study was published in Nature Medicine. Scientists Identified a Healthier Way to Cook Broccoli – But There's a Catch Skin Injuries And Food Allergies May Have a Mysterious Connection Cancer's Devastating Effect on a Brain Circuit Could Destroy Will
