High-Quality Carbs May Lead to Healthier Aging

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Study suggests that eating more nutritious carbohydrates in middle age can help us age well

An analysis of data involving over 47,500 women from the Nurses’ Health Study found that women who consumed high-quality carbohydrates and higher intakes of dietary fiber during their 40’s were more likely to experience healthy aging, while refined and starchy carbohydrates such as white pasta, white bread and potato chips were associated with greater odds of unhealthy aging. The study in JAMA Network Open defined healthy aging as the absence of major chronic diseases or impairments in cognitive and physical function. Overall, better-quality carbs and total dietary fiber intake during midlife were associated with 31% and 17% higher odds of healthy aging in women, while refined carbs caused a 13% lower odds of healthy aging. Fiber may promote healthy aging since it helps lower chronic inflammation markers and cholesterol levels and improves the microbiome. This adds to the body of evidence highlighting the association between a diet plentiful in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes with aging well. While the study shows a strong correlation, it does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.