Carb Quality & Healthy Aging
- Consuming dietary fiber and high-quality carbohydrates during middle age may significantly contribute to healthy aging and overall well-being in older women, according to research from Tufts University and...
- Andres Ardisson Korat, a scientist at the HNRCA and lead author, noted the importance of carbohydrate quality.
- Researchers analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study,spanning from 1984 to 2016.
Consuming high-quality carbohydrates and dietary fiber in middle age significantly boosts healthy aging in women, according to a new study. Researchers found a direct link between midlife diets rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables and a greater likelihood of maintaining physical, cognitive, and mental health later in life. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, examined the eating habits of over 47,000 women, revealing that refined carbohydrates and starchy vegetables correlated with diminished healthy aging outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of carb quality, highlighting the benefits of prioritizing fiber and high-quality carbs. News Directory 3 brings you the latest health insights. Discover what’s next in healthy aging research.
Midlife Carb Intake Linked to Healthy Aging in Women
Updated June 06, 2025
Consuming dietary fiber and high-quality carbohydrates during middle age may significantly contribute to healthy aging and overall well-being in older women, according to research from Tufts University and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The study,published in JAMA Network Open,examined the long-term effects of carbohydrate consumption on women’s health.
Andres Ardisson Korat, a scientist at the HNRCA and lead author, noted the importance of carbohydrate quality. The study suggests that focusing on the type of carbohydrates consumed might potentially be crucial for promoting healthy aging.
Researchers analyzed data from the Nurses’ Health Study,spanning from 1984 to 2016. They assessed the diets of over 47,000 women, aged 70 to 93 in 2016, and correlated their midlife eating habits with their health outcomes later in life. The study considered total carbohydrates,refined carbohydrates,high-quality carbohydrates from whole grains,fruits,vegetables,and legumes,dietary fiber,and glycemic index.
Healthy aging was defined as the absence of 11 major chronic diseases, unimpaired cognitive and physical function, and good mental health. Of the participants, 3,706 met this definition.
The findings indicated that consuming total carbohydrates, high-quality carbohydrates, and dietary fiber in midlife was associated with a 6 to 37% greater likelihood of healthy aging and positive mental and physical health. Conversely, refined carbohydrates and starchy vegetables were linked to a 13% decrease in the odds of healthy aging.
Qi sun, associate professor at Harvard Chan School and senior author, stated that the results align with existing evidence linking fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to reduced risks of chronic diseases, as well as improved physical and cognitive function.
“Our findings suggest that carbohydrate quality may be an crucial factor in healthy aging,” said Andres Ardisson Korat.
What’s next
Future research should include more diverse populations to confirm these findings. Further inquiry is also needed to understand the mechanisms by which dietary fiber and high-quality carbohydrates contribute to healthy aging. Understanding the link between midlife food choices and later-life quality could help people live healthier, longer lives.