A correlation between diet and life expectancy

A study based on data from more than 467,000 participants in the UK Biobank, a British biomedical database, suggests that switching from an unhealthy diet to one associated with longevity around age 40 could extend life expectancy by up to a decade. The results show that dietary changes made at an older age, such as 70, can increase life expectancy by up to five years.

Specifically, women who adopt a healthy diet in their 40s could live up to 10 years and 8 months longer, and men up to 10 years and 4 months. The same changes made at 70 would increase life expectancy by about half that period, according to Insider.  

Researchers identified foods such as whole grains, nuts and fruit as having the greatest positive impact on life expectancy. In contrast, sugar-sweetened beverages and processed meats were associated with higher mortality.

Although the study shows a correlation between diet and life expectancy, it does not establish direct causality. However, the results support the importance of adopting a healthy diet throughout life. Nutrition expert Professor Gunter Kunhle points out that the study provides further evidence on the influence of diet on health and longevity.