4 Foods That Prolong Life and Others That Hasten Death

You May Reach 100 by Eating Healthy Foods

A recent European study has revealed that adhering to a diet rich in fruits, dairy products, nuts, and healthy oils may significantly contribute to longevity and may even help you reach 100.

This diet is known as the Mediterranean diet, which has long been linked to lower rates of obesity and chronic disease, and to longer lifespans in countries like Italy and Spain.

The Effect of the Diet

The results of the study, conducted by scientists from Spain, showed that adhering to the Mediterranean diet may contribute to reducing the risk of premature death by more than 20%.

The researchers focused on four key nutritional components of this diet that play a significant role in reducing health risks: fruits, dairy products, nuts, and unsaturated oils (such as olive and sunflower oils).

In contrast, consuming unhealthy foods such as soft drinks and pastries was associated with an increased risk of premature death, according to the British newspaper, the Daily Mail. "Participants' high adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with lower rates of death from all causes," said Dr. Mercedes Sotos Brito, Assistant Professor of Environmental Health at the Autonomous University.

The study tracked the eating habits of more than 11,000 adults with an average age of 48. Their adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed, as well as to the Planetary Healthy Diet (PHD), a plant-based diet that limits meat and aims to protect health and the environment by reducing emissions and improving resource use.

The researchers used a database to monitor the environmental impact of dietary patterns, including carbon emissions and land use.

Key Study Findings

Over the 14-year study period, 1,157 deaths were recorded.

The data showed that those who adhered most to the PHD diet had a 22% lower risk of death, while those who adhered to the Mediterranean diet had a 21% lower risk.