Participants were asked to provide regular surveys of their diet, assessing whether they adhered to eight healthy dietary patterns as well as their intake of ultra-processed foods that are high in sodium and saturated fats.
The study found that 9.3% of participants aged healthily, being able to avoid chronic diseases by the time they reached their 70s.
The study used the Alternative Healthy Eating Index score to determine a person’s diet quality. The score graded people based on their high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and healthy fats, and low consumption of red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, sodium, and refined grains.
Those who scored in the top 20% were 86% more likely to avoid chronic diseases than the rest of the population.
Healthy eating habits in midlife may prevent chronic illness in later years, research finds