In healthy aging, carb quality matters

A new study from Tufts University and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that women who consumed more high-quality carbohydrates and dietary fiber in midlife were more likely to age healthily. Published in JAMA Network Open, the research followed over 47,000 women from the Nurses' Health Study, tracking dietary habits and health outcomes from 1984 to 2016.

Healthy aging was defined as being free of major chronic diseases, maintaining good mental health, and having no cognitive or physical impairments. Women with higher intakes of fiber and carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes had a 6–37% higher likelihood of aging healthily. In contrast, diets high in refined carbs and starchy vegetables were linked to a 13% reduced chance of healthy aging.

Lead author emphasized the long-term importance of carbohydrate quality, suggesting better midlife dietary choices could promote physical and cognitive well-being in later years.

16-05-2025