Study Identifies AHEI Diet as Key to Healthy Aging

Research spanning 30 years finds plant-based diets with moderate healthy animal-based foods promote aging free of major chronic diseases.

The Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) diet was found to increase the likelihood of reaching age 70 in good health by 86%.
Healthy aging was defined as living without major chronic diseases while maintaining cognitive, physical, and mental health.
The study analyzed dietary data from over 105,000 middle-aged nurses and health professionals over 30 years.
Diets rich in plant-based foods and low in ultra-processed foods were linked to better aging outcomes, with AHEI outperforming other diets.
The findings emphasize dietary flexibility, allowing for adaptation to individual preferences and needs.