A 30-year study on women reveals diet as the secret to healthy aging

Researchers discovered that "increasing the intake of plant-based proteins in middle age contributes to women's healthy aging."

According to the research, if you want to age healthily, protein intake should be a significant part of your diet.

OVER 48,000 WOMEN PARTICIPATED

This study, based on data reported by over 48,000 female healthcare professionals, found that "women who consumed higher amounts of plant-based proteins in midlife had increased chances of aging healthily."

The latest article, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, is based on the Nurses' Health Study survey data collected every four years from 1984 to 2016.

The female healthcare workers participating in the study were aged between 38-59 in 1984 and were physically and mentally healthy at the beginning of the study.

PLAYING A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN ELDERLY HEALTH

According to the latest article, survey data on how frequently people ate certain foods was used to calculate protein intake.

Protein intake plays a significant role in maintaining the health status of older adults.

Survey results showed that plant protein intake was beneficial for the physical and mental health of older adults.

However, it's important to note that the latest study was observational, only identifying associations between protein intake and healthy aging, not proving cause and effect.

Researchers examined only a specific population, namely (mostly white) female healthcare workers.

This indicates that the findings may not be generalized to other populations.

"PROMOTING LONGEVITY..."

Researchers said the study contributes evidence to the role of protein in healthy aging, adding specific insights into the importance of protein-rich diets in middle age.

Andres Ardisson Korat, the lead author of the study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, said, "We observed that people who consumed protein in middle age had better health as they aged."

Korat continued:

"We also found that the source of protein matters. Consuming most of your protein from plant sources in middle age, plus a small amount of animal protein, seems to promote good health and longevity..."