Dietary advice abounds, but the science linking food and health isn’t always clear. A new study on this topic, one of the most comprehensive to date, identifies four of his dietary patterns associated with a reduced risk of death.
Researchers who analyzed the dietary patterns of 119,315 people over 36 years compared these patterns to four recognized arrays of healthy diets: the Healthy Diet Index, the Alternative Mediterranean Diet, and the Healthy Diet. plant-based diet index, and alternative healthy diet index.
Adherence to at least one of these patterns has been shown to reduce the risk of premature death from all causes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory disease, studies have shown. Diets vary but include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes.
Researchers note that this is in line with the official Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). Guidelines that recommend multiple healthy eating patterns to suit individual tastes, cultures and health needs, and provide many tips for eating in a harmless way.
“The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are intended to provide science-based dietary advice that promotes good health and reduces major chronic diseases,” said Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Massachusetts. says Frank Fu, a nutritional epidemiologist at
“Therefore, it is important to examine the association between DGA-recommended dietary patterns and long-term health outcomes, especially mortality.”
For example, the Healthy Eating Index provides recommended amounts for all major food groups, including fruits, vegetables, and dairy. Comprehensive.
Then rank healthy plant-based foods (such as vegetables and whole grains) against unhealthy plant-based foods (such as refined grains and sugary foods) and animal-based foods. , has a healthy plant-based diet index.
Finally, the Alternate Healthy Eating Index shows, from vegetables to sugary drinks, mainly how this relates to chronic disease.
According to the results of this latest study, starting with at least one of these approaches is a great idea.
“It is important to assess adherence to DGA-recommended dietary patterns and health outcomes, including mortality, so that timely updates can be made,” Fu says.
Although this study relies on self-reported data rather than scientifically documented data, this association cannot be definitively attributed to these specific dietary habits. Clear enough to demonstrate the health benefits of eating.
As noted in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 6 in 10 American adults have at least one chronic diet-related illness. Adherence to these guidelines, on the other hand, has not improved much in recent years.
Recommendations vary by age and size, but there are many studies on diet and health. Experts say fish, eggs, and dairy are usually best eaten in moderation, but legumes, whole grains, and vegetables are often recommended.
What is clear is how important it is to eat healthy throughout your life if you want to live as long as possible. It’s part of my job.
“Our findings are of value to the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, which is being established to assess current evidence on different dietary patterns and health outcomes,” Hu said. increase.
This research JAMA Internal Medicine.