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Dietary carbohydrate intake, carbohydrate quality, and healthy aging in women
This long-term study by Ardisson Korat et al. (2025) investigated the impact of the type and quality of dietary carbohydrates on healthy aging. Researchers tracked women under 60 from 1984 to 2016 using information from the Nurses’ Health Study. They assessed dietary intake using food frequency questionnaires and defined healthy aging as the absence of major chronic diseases, maintaining good physical and cognitive function, and having good mental health. The study found that a higher intake of high-quality carbohydrates, especially those derived from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, was associated with a greater likelihood of healthy aging. On the other hand, diets heavy in refined carbs were linked to a decreased chance of aging in a healthy manner. Additionally, higher fiber intake and lower glycemic index (GI) diets were positively associated with better aging outcomes. Substituting refined carbs, animal protein, or unhealthy fats with high-quality carbohydrates also appeared beneficial. Based on these findings, it may be possible to promote better aging by emphasizing the quality of carbohydrates rather than just their quantity. [NPID: Healthy aging, dietary fiber, high-quality carbohydrates, refined carbohydrates, glycemic index, glycemic load, nurses’ health study, dietary patterns]
Year: 2025
