A recent study conducted by Queen Mary University of London has revealed new findings on how simple dietary adjustments can impact human life expectancy. Researchers explained that adhering to a balanced diet reduces the risk of early death by up to 24%, giving men the opportunity to add three years to their lives, while women benefit from a 2.3-year increase. The research tracked the health status of around 104,000 middle-aged Britons, revealing that the biological response to food differs between men and women, which requires precise customization of daily meals to achieve maximum possible health benefits, away from traditional uniform patterns. Published in the journal 'Science Advances', the data showed that men achieve the longest life expectancy when following a diet focused on reducing diabetes risk and lowering blood sugar levels. Coffee emerged as a staple in their diet due to its antioxidant content, which protects the brain, heart, and liver, thereby enhancing the body's ability to combat chronic diseases. Conversely, women outperformed in health when adopting a modified version of the Mediterranean diet, primarily based on increasing protein intake through fish consumption, with a necessary exclusion of potatoes. This is because fish provides essential fatty acids and minerals with low thermal energy, while the carbohydrates in potatoes convert to sugars within the digestive system, which may hinder long-term goals of fitness and longevity. The study agreed on the need to reduce consumption of red and processed meats, and to avoid white flour, fried, and ready-made meals for both genders. Dr. Jing Song, the lead author of the research, confirmed that these modifications contribute to a decrease in the likelihood of strokes, heart disease, cancer, and dementia, making a healthy diet a direct means of enhancing life quality and stability. The optimal lifestyle pattern relies on integrating nuts, seeds, and legumes as primary alternatives, with a focus on olive oil as the main source of fats. The findings indicated that adhering to a daily schedule that includes vegetables and fruits represents a real investment in public health and ensures tangible protection from age-related cognitive and physical decline.
