Find out how to eat to help protect the heart and brain of the elderly

Aging is a major risk factor for chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders. Therefore, promoting healthy aging and healthy longevity is a top priority in public health .

The study, led by the Karolinska Institute and Stockholm University (Sweden), in collaboration with the Del Mar Hospital Research Institute, Carlos III Health Institute, Pompeu Fabra University and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in Spain, followed 2,473 people aged 60 and over for more than 15 years.

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Participants’ diets were assessed through regular questionnaires and analyzed based on their adherence to four diets, three of which were considered healthy and one of which was considered inflammatory. Chronic disease status was monitored through health assessments, focusing on cardiovascular, neuropsychiatric, and musculoskeletal disease.

What is the best diet for the heart and brain of older adults?

Results showed that all three healthy diets were effective in delaying chronic diseases, especially heart disease and neurological disorders.

These healthy diets all have in common that they prioritize plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats, while limiting red meat, processed meat, and sugary drinks.

Notably, one diet showed superior effects, called the Alternative Healthy Eating Intake (AHEI). The results showed that this diet had the strongest protective effect, according to the medical news site News Medical.

The difference between the AHEI diet and the other two healthy diets is that the AHEI is more nutritionally diverse and requires stricter adherence.

The AHEI diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and healthy fats, while limiting red and processed meats, sugary drinks, sodium, and refined grains, according to News Medical.