Researchers tracked thousands of older adults for nearly a decade to explore which eating habits may support healthy aging.
According to Le Journal Des Femmes, scientists from Monash University followed 18,684 people aged over 70 for almost 10 years.
The researchers examined how diet was linked to health outcomes while also accounting for factors including physical activity, smoking, body weight, and previous illnesses.
They say the findings cannot be explained solely by an overall healthy lifestyle.
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Why nuts matter
Nuts provide protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and other nutrients that are important for overall health.
According to the researchers, regular nut consumption may benefit heart health, help regulate blood sugar, and reduce inflammation in the body. These factors are considered important for maintaining good health with age.
The study, published in Age and Ageing, also found that the specific type of nut did not appear to make a significant difference. Instead, eating nuts consistently was the key factor.
Daily habit
The researchers reported that consuming around 10 grams of nuts each day, roughly equal to two or three shelled walnuts, was associated with the strongest results.
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That daily amount showed a stronger association with healthy aging than eating a larger quantity only once a week.
The study's main conclusion is that people over the age of 70 who eat nuts every day are more likely to live longer and remain able to manage everyday tasks without assistance.
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