Healthy diets linked to a longer lifespan

A study published in January 2023 by JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that following a healthy eating pattern is linked to better health outcomes, but it may not matter which particular healthy eating plan one follows. The study analyzed the effect of four different healthy eating patterns, all recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, on the health outcomes of over 120,000 participants. The four patterns were the Healthy Eating Index 2015, Alternate Mediterranean Diet, Healthful Plant-based Diet, and Alternate Healthy Eating Index.

Over the course of more than three decades, participants completed dietary questionnaires every four years. The data revealed that those who closely followed one or more of the four healthy eating patterns were less likely to die from cardiovascular disease, cancer, or respiratory disease compared to those who did not follow any of the four patterns or did so less frequently. The four healthy eating patterns encouraged high consumption of plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and legumes, but they differ in their specific recommendations.

The study’s results suggest that a combination of healthy eating patterns that share similar traits could be just as effective as adhering to one particular diet. The researchers also noted that people should choose the eating pattern that best fits their food preferences and nutritional requirements.

Overall, the study adds to the growing body of evidence indicating that eating a healthy diet can have significant benefits for long-term health outcomes.