This diet could add several years to your life
A study by Chinese scientists analyzing data from over 100,000 participants in the UK Biobank found that adhering to one of five healthy dietary patterns can extend life by 1.5–3 years starting from middle age. The greatest benefits come from fiber intake and avoiding sugary drinks, and the effect is independent of genetic predisposition.
Chinese researchers from Huazhong University of Science and Technology analyzed data from over 100,000 participants in the UK Biobank over a 10-year follow-up period. They assessed how closely each person's diet matched one of five patterns: the Mediterranean diet, the diabetes risk reduction diet (DRRD), the DASH diet, a plant-based diet, and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI). The main finding: consistent adherence to any of these patterns can extend life by 1.5–3.0 years starting from middle age. The DRRD diet showed the greatest increase—about 3 years for men and 1.8 years for women. Key factors were high fiber intake and avoiding sugary drinks. The study also showed that the benefits of a healthy diet are independent of genetic predisposition to longevity. The authors emphasize that the "best" diet is the one a person can maintain the longest, and advise starting small: adding more whole plant foods and replacing sugary drinks with water or unsweetened tea. The study is observational and does not prove causation.