A new study has revealed that simply having certain food preferences can make a difference in lifespan, after researchers identified six foods and ingredients associated with longevity, and five others associated with short lifespan.
More than 177,000 people from across the UK participated by answering questions about their food preferences. Instead of the traditional method of asking participants to recall what they ate in recent days or weeks, the researchers simply asked people what they liked to eat. This is a more reliable way to determine what people eat over time, because preferences tend to remain constant while what we actually eat is constantly changing.
After asking participants about their favorite foods, the researchers checked to see who was still alive after more than three years, and found the following results:
The study revealed that certain foods and drinks are linked to an increased risk of death, with soft drinks (soda) topping the list, associated with a 38% higher risk. Diet sodas came in second with a 23% increased risk. This is a well-known health problem linked to obesity and impaired blood sugar regulation, and it may also affect the body's ability to absorb other nutrients.
After soda, two other drinks appeared on the list: sweetened tea, which was linked to a 22% increased risk of death, and whole milk, which was linked to an 18% increased risk. Both can provide more calories than unsweetened tea or skim milk, depending on the amount consumed.
As for corn flakes, they were the last food associated with a 20% increased risk of death, confirming what we know about ultra-processed foods: they not only increase calories, but also contain additives and ingredients that are not good for health.
However, it should be noted that only a small fraction of the participants (around 3,300 people) died during the study, which makes the information about foods associated with higher mortality rates less representative.
Researchers found that a preference for six specific foods and ingredients was associated with a significantly reduced risk of death. Some of these preferences are not typically consumed on their own; for example, extra virgin olive oil was linked to a 33% lower risk of death, and black pepper to a 28% lower risk. This suggests that cooking at home may benefit health by reducing calorie intake and the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes.
Asparagus and broccoli were most strongly associated with a 31% reduction in the risk of death, followed by butternut squash (or butternut butter) at 25%, and then eggplant at 21%. But the list doesn't end there. Whole-wheat bread showed a significant reduction in mortality rates, similar to olive oil, and spinach, lettuce, onions, mushrooms, lentils, beans, and bell peppers were also linked to longevity.
Overall, these findings support the importance of including more whole foods, fresh produce, and fiber in the diet. All the foods associated with a reduced risk of death are staples of the Mediterranean diet, which has been shown to help with weight management, maintain brain health, and reduce the risk of several metabolic diseases.
what is your opinion on this news ?do let us know in the comments on tha comment box
if you liked this news article please share on friends & family & don't forget to follow on website & social media
