The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: **Headline: Study Finds High-Quality Carbs May Boost Healthy Aging** A new study suggests that eating high-quality carbohydrates—found in foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes—could increase a person's chances of healthy aging by up to 37%[5][2][3]. **What Are High-Quality Carbs?** The research defines high-quality (or complex) carbohydrates as those coming from whole, minimally processed foods. These include whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and legumes, which are rich in fiber and nutrients[5]. In contrast, refined carbohydrates—like white bread, pasta, white rice, pastries, and foods with added sugars—are stripped of many nutrients and fiber during processing[5]. **How Was the Study Conducted?** Researchers examined dietary information from thousands of participants, focusing on carbohydrate quality and its association with healthy aging decades later. The analysis was based on data from the long-running Nurses’ Health Study, which tracked participants from midlife into older adulthood[3]. **Defining 'Healthy Aging'** The study defined healthy aging as reaching age 70 while remaining free from major chronic diseases, experiencing no impairment in memory or physical function, and maintaining good mental health[5]. **Findings: High-Quality Carbs vs. Refined Carbs** People who consumed more high-quality carbs during midlife increased their odds of healthy aging by up to 37%[2][5]. Conversely, those who regularly ate more refined carbohydrates saw their chances of healthy aging drop by around 13%[5][2]. **Physical and Cognitive Benefits** The research found that diets rich in high-quality carbs and fiber were linked to physical and cognitive health benefits as people aged, supporting earlier evidence that fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes help reduce the risk of chronic diseases[2]. **Expert Insights on Carb Quality** Experts emphasize that complex carbohydrates are essential for bodily function, helping maintain energy, satisfaction, brain health, and stable blood sugar levels. In contrast, refined carbohydrates typically offer fewer nutrients and less dietary fiber[5]. **Takeaway** For anyone aiming to promote good health as they age, focusing on the quality of carbohydrates by choosing more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes may make a significant difference[3][5][2]. Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9