Latest news with #NursesHealthStudy
Fox News
2 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
Carbohydrates and fiber linked to healthier aging in some groups, study finds
Carbohydrates may have gotten a bad rap, but a new study from Tufts University finds that some are better than others — and that older women in particular could reap the benefits. The research, which was recently published in the journal JAMA Network Open, found that daily consumption of fiber and "high-quality" carbs in midlife can contribute to healthier aging and overall better wellness among older females. The researchers defined "healthy aging" as "the absence of 11 major chronic diseases, lack of cognitive and physical function impairments, and having good mental health." The study was led 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. "The main takeaway of the study is that consuming dietary fiber and high-quality carbohydrates — those from fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes — is associated with positive health status in older adulthood," lead author Andres Ardisson Korat, a scientist at HNRCA, told Fox News Digital. "This includes the absence of chronic diseases and good physical and cognitive function." The researchers collected data from the Nurses' Health Study, in which 47,000 women reported their dietary habits and health outcomes between 1984 and 2016, according to a Tufts press release. The women ranged in age from 70 to 93 by the end of the study period. The researchers looked at the women's consumption of dietary fiber, total carbohydrates, refined carbohydrates, high-quality (unrefined) carbohydrates, and carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes. They also analyzed glycemic index (each food's score indicating how much it raises blood sugar) and glycemic load, which also takes into account portion size to provide a more accurate measure of each food's impact on blood sugar. "It's not just about 'carbs versus fats versus protein' — it's about what kind of carbs you're eating." Women who consumed higher amounts of total carbohydrates; high-quality carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes; and total dietary fiber in midlife were 6% to 37% more likely to have healthy aging and to score higher in several areas of mental and physical wellness, the study found. Conversely, consuming refined carbohydrates — which come from added sugars, refined grains and potatoes — and starchy vegetables resulted in a 13% reduced chance of healthy aging. "This study reinforces something many of us intuitively feel: quality matters," noted Melanie Avalon, a health influencer, entrepreneur and biohacker based in Atlanta, Georgia. "It's not just about 'carbs versus fats versus protein' — it's about the kind of carbs you're eating." Avalon, who was not involved in the research, discussed some of the more notable findings with Fox News Digital. "Perhaps most surprising was the finding that replacing just 5% of calories from carbohydrates with protein (from either plant or animal sources) was associated with lower odds of healthy aging by 7% to 37%," she said. Avalon also noted that when carbohydrates were segmented by type — processed versus unprocessed — the associations with healthy aging were independent of BMI (body mass index), a metric typically closely linked to metabolic health. "This suggests the effects of carbohydrate quality on healthy aging were not solely explained by weight-loss effects," she said. The study also briefly touched on the controversial topic of seed oils. "It found that higher intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) — which are commonly found in seed oils — was linked to decreased odds of healthy aging, adding nuance to the ongoing debate," Avalon added. Based on the study findings, the biohacker recommends favoring whole, unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. "Shop the perimeter of the grocery store for produce and whole grains, as well as the freezer aisles for frozen fruit and vegetables," she suggested. "Consider dipping into the aisles only for pantry staples like canned legumes." For those who tolerate grains, people can reap the benefits of foods like quinoa, brown rice, oats and whole wheat products, Avalon noted. "Prioritize fiber-rich foods and minimize refined carbohydrates like white bread, sugary beverages and ultraprocessed snacks." "These shifts can meaningfully support healthy aging and reduce the risk of chronic disease." One chief limitation of the study is that the participants were mainly white female healthcare workers. "Because of the observational nature of the study, we cannot rule out confounding by other variables," Korat said. "We would have liked to have data on men to evaluate the associations in this group." The researchers called for more diverse studies that look closer at how dietary fiber and high-quality carbs contribute to healthy aging. "We hope our findings help inform consumers about the importance of healthy diets in the promotion of healthy aging," Korat added. "Personalized nutrition, grounded in both science and self-awareness, may be key to thriving across the decades." "The more we can understand about healthy aging, the more science can help people live healthier for longer." Avalon added that while diet is "foundational," it's just one piece of the "healthy aging puzzle." For more Health articles, visit "Exercise, sleep, stress management and social connection all play a role," she said. "Ultimately, personalized nutrition, grounded in both science and self-awareness, may be key to thriving across the decades."
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Women who drink up to three cups of coffee a day in their 50s may be healthier in old age, scientists say
A new study has found that women in middle age who maintain a healthy coffee habit may have better physical, mental, and cognitive health as they grow older. 'Women who drank one to three cups of caffeinated coffee per day in their 50s were more likely to reach older age free from major chronic diseases and with good cognitive, physical, and mental health,' the study's lead author, Dr Sara Mahdavi, adjunct professor in the the faculty of medicine and department of nutritional sciences at the University of Toronto said. The research was initially presented as an abstract at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition on Monday, but will be submitted for peer review in the coming months, according to Mahdavi. The study draws on dietary data from more than 47,000 women who participated in the Nurses' Health Study. All of the women surveyed were in middle age and had been followed for 30 years to understand their rates of death and disease. 'In this study, we found that moderate caffeinated coffee consumption during midlife was associated with a higher likelihood of healthy aging 30 years later,' Mahdavi said. But it's not just the caffeine or just the coffee that's giving the health benefits. Tea and cola, both of which have caffeine, did not yield the same signs as drinking coffee, nor did drinking decaffeinated coffee. The study is primarily observational and cannot state definitive cause and effect relationships. It is simply pointing out that women who maintained a healthy use of coffee in middle age also tended to experience a healthier aging. Researchers note that coffee drinking may just be a habit of individuals who tend to lead otherwise healthy and active lifestyles, which also contribute to healthier aging. In the past, moderate coffee drinking has been linked to lower risks of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Despite the findings, Mahdavi wasn't ready to call for non-coffee drinkers to pick up a press and a mug. 'Coffee may support longevity, but it's not a universal prescription — especially for women. Hormonal shifts influence how caffeine is metabolized, so the benefits depend on timing, biology, and individual health," Mahdavis told CNN. Caffeine can last longer in the bodies of some people due to hormonal differences — for example, estrogen inhibits a liver enzyme that is needed to break caffeine down — and midlife tends to be a time when women's hormones are shifting. 'Moderate caffeinated coffee consumption — typically one to three cups per day — can be part of a healthy diet for many adults,' Mahdavi said. 'However, this should not be taken as a blanket recommendation for everyone to begin or increase coffee intake with the goal of longevity.' And coffee — or other caffeinated drinks — are best avoided by individuals with other health problems, like anxiety or sleep disorders, according to the National Institute of Health.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Secret to aging 'healthily': Trick to boost longevity and reduce chronic disease revealed
A morning cup of java could be doing more than help women wake up in the morning - because it could also aid with aging. Research from Harvard University has found a connection between drinking coffee and healthy aging in women, with the findings presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando on Monday. The in-depth analysis found that middle-aged women who drank caffeinated coffee aged 'healthily' - which was defined as living to age 70 or older, being free from 11 major chronic diseases, maintaining physical function, having good mental health, exhibiting no cognitive impairment and showing no memory complaints. However, the researchers didn't find any links between tea or decaf coffee and aging better. On the other hand, drinking more cola was linked with lowering the chance of healthy aging. 'While past studies have linked coffee to individual health outcomes, our study is the first to assess coffee's impact across multiple domains of aging over three decades,' Dr. Sara Mahdavi, a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, said. 'The findings suggest that caffeinated coffee, not tea or decaf, may uniquely support aging trajectories that preserve both mental and physical function.' Researchers started collecting data from women who were part of the Nurses' Health Study in 1984, tracking almost 48,000 participants aged between 45 and 60. All participants filled out surveys providing details about their diet and health across a span of 30 years with all data being recorded and analyzed. The researchers assessed caffeine intake using validated food frequency questionnaires which included drinking popular forms of caffeine, including coffee, tea, cola and decaffeinated coffee. Preliminary analyses accounted for other factors that might influence healthy aging, such as body weight, smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, education level and protein in the diet. 'Our study has several key strengths,' Dr. Mahdavi explained. 'In addition to the large sample size and 30 years of follow-up, we assessed several different aspects of longevity and healthy aging as well as very comprehensive information on nutritional and lifestyle habits that were collected every four years after the initiation of the study,' she added. The researchers found that those deemed 'healthy agers' typically consumed an average of 315mg of caffeine per day, which in today's standards is the equivalent to three small cups of coffee or one and a half large cups. 'More than 80 percent of that caffeine came from regular coffee consumption,' the press release noted. It continued: 'For women in the healthy agers group, each extra cup of coffee per day was tied to a two percent to five percent higher chance of doing well later in life.' However, it noted that although soda also contains caffeine, participants who people drank it daily had a 20 percent to 26 percent lower likelihood of healthy aging, showing that not all types of caffeine are beneficial. The study also noted that drinking up to two cups a day may offer additional benefits for some but may not be healthy for others. There are some limitations to the study, with Dr. Mahdavi pointing out that the participants were mainly white, educated, female, health professionals. 'Further work is needed to confirm generalizability to broader populations,' she told Fox News Digital. While she doesn't recommend starting to drink coffee if it's not already a part of your diet, she says it can contribute to a balanced diet for those who drink it. 'For people who already consume moderate amounts — typically two to four cups per day — this study adds to the evidence that coffee can be part of a healthy lifestyle,' the expert explained. A study published earlier in the year found that drinking between one and several cups of coffee before midday was found to cut the risk of heart and circulatory diseases by a whopping 31 percent, in comparison with those who drink it throughout the day. Research suggests the time you enjoy an espresso or flat white is more important to your health than how much you drink. In the first study to examine the time it is consumed, researchers used data from more than 40,000 US adults taking part in studies examining health, nutrition and lifestyle over a decade. They found distinct patterns of coffee drinking, with 36 percent enjoying it before midday, 16 percent consuming coffee throughout the day and half not drinking it at all.
Sky News
3 days ago
- Health
- Sky News
Coffee helps women age more healthily, 30-year study suggests
For many a cup of coffee or two is necessary to get through the morning, but research suggests the caffeinated beverage could also help women age more healthily. A study which followed almost 50,000 women over a 32-year period found those who drank caffeinated coffee in midlife were more likely to stay sharp, strong and mentally well as they aged. However, the researchers did not find any links with tea or decaf coffee. They also found drinking caffeinated soft drinks such as cola was tied to a significantly lower chance of healthy ageing. "While past studies have linked coffee to individual health outcomes, our study is the first to assess coffee's impact across multiple domains of ageing over three decades," said Dr Sara Mahdavi, a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard University. "The findings suggest that caffeinated coffee - not tea or decaf - may uniquely support ageing trajectories that preserve both mental and physical function." The study collected dietary and health data from 47,513 women who were part of the Nurses' Health Study every four years from 1984, with the researchers assessing caffeine intake using food frequency questionnaires that included the consumption of major contributors of caffeine such as coffee, tea, cola and decaffeinated coffee. Healthy ageing was defined as living to the age of 70 or older, being free from 11 major chronic diseases, having good mental health and physical function, exhibiting no cognitive impairment and showing no memory complaints. By 2016, 3,706 women met those requirements, and among them they typically consumed an average of 315mg of caffeine a day - roughly the equivalent of three small cups of coffee or one and a half large cups. The study found each extra cup of coffee a day was linked to a 2-5% higher chance of doing well later in life - up to five cups, or around 2.5 cups according to today's measures. The study also found each additional small glass of fizzy drink was associated with a 20-26% lower likelihood of healthy ageing. Two cups potentially beneficial for most people The researchers said up to two cups of coffee a day would be potentially beneficial for most people, but said drinking more may offer additional benefits for some, but may not be healthy for others. They said coffee contains a range of compounds that could act together to influence ageing pathways and said they plan to investigate how specific bioactive compounds in coffee interact with genetic and metabolic markers, especially in women. "These results, while preliminary, suggest that small, consistent habits can shape long-term health," said Dr Mahdavi. "Moderate coffee intake may offer some protective benefits when combined with other healthy behaviours such as regular exercise, a healthy diet and avoiding smoking. "While this study adds to prior evidence suggesting coffee intake may be linked with healthy ageing, the benefits from coffee are relatively modest compared to the impact of overall healthy lifestyle habits and warrant further investigation." Dr Mahdavi presented the team's findings at the American Society for Nutrition's annual conference in Orlando.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Drinking coffee helps women age better, landmark 30-year study finds
Findings from new research three decades in the making suggest that women who drink coffee age better. Analysis of almost 50,000 women over 32 years has revealed that those who drank coffee in midlife were more likely to exhibit health ageing, and that it could help them stay sharp, strong and mentally well. The research, which was presented at the American Society for Nutrition's annual conference in Orlando, did not see the same link with healthy ageing with those who drank tea or decaffeinated coffee. 'While past studies have linked coffee to individual health outcomes, our study is the first to assess coffee's impact across multiple domains of aging over three decades,' Dr Sara Mahdavi, a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard University who led the research said. 'The findings suggest that caffeinated coffee—not tea or decaf—may uniquely support aging trajectories that preserve both mental and physical function.' The study included 47,513 women from the Nurses' Health Study, a large-scale American research scheme with dietary and health data. The participants were aged between 45 and 60 when they were enrolled in the research in 1984, which saw them complete surveys on their diet, health and lifestyle - including their caffeine intake - every four years. Healthy aging was defined as living to age 70 or older and being free from 11 major chronic diseases such as cancer or type 2 diabetes. It also included maintaining physical function, having good mental health, exhibiting no cognitive impairment and showing no memory complaints. By 2016, 3,706 of the women in the study met all the requirements for being considered healthy agers. In mid-life, these women typically consumed an average of 315 mg of caffeine per day — roughly the amount in three small cups of coffee by today's standards. More than 80 per cent of that caffeine came from regular coffee consumption. For women in the healthy agers group, each extra cup of coffee per day was tied to a 2 per cent to 5 per cent higher chance of doing well later in life. The findings presented were evaluated and selected by a committee of experts but are yet to appear in a peer-reviewed journal. The NHS advises people not to drink more than four cups of coffee a day, as it may increase your blood pressure. 'These results, while preliminary, suggest that small, consistent habits can shape long-term health,' said Dr Mahdavi. 'Moderate coffee intake may offer some protective benefits when combined with other healthy behaviours such as regular exercise, a healthy diet and avoiding smoking. 'While this study adds to prior evidence suggesting coffee intake may be linked with healthy aging, the benefits from coffee are relatively modest compared to the impact of overall healthy lifestyle habits and warrant further investigation.'
