The Benefits of a Healthy Diet – New Study Provides Evidence

Eating healthy - how big is the impact?

Plenty of fruits and vegetables, few processed products and sugar - these are the common recommendations from experts. It is well documented by studies that this is beneficial for health. But how significant are the effects really? After all, in the hectic everyday life, it is not always easy to cook for oneself - and quick, processed foods often seem tempting. Is the effort even worth it?

10 years - that is the answer from nutrition scientists

A study from the University of Bergen (Norway) shows: A conscious diet can significantly increase life expectancy - by up to 10 years! Based on a comprehensive data analysis, including the "Global Burden of Diseases" study. In 2019, researchers developed a model that shows how different diets can significantly impact lifespan.

The results:

A shift away from red meat and processed food (typical western diet) towards more vegetables, nuts, and whole grains had the greatest impact on health and lifespan.

Positive effects were also observed for fish and fruit, but these are already often included in the typical Western diet, so the change is less significant compared to other food groups.

Years of life gained by reducing red and processed meat intake and increasing consumption of vegetables, nuts, and whole grains:

Years of life gained through occasional dietary changes:

The results clearly show that there are substantial benefits for people with a previously typical Western diet of any age to change their diet.

In general, the earlier a change in diet occurs, the more healthy years of life can be gained. However, even a single change, such as eating less red meat or more vegetables, makes a significant contribution.

The ideal diet for a long life:

Eat daily:

• 300-400 g vegetables

• 150-200 g whole grain products

• 15–25 g nuts

• 100-200 g legumes (cooked)

• maximum 50 g of red meat or 25 g of sausage

But what lies behind the impressive effects? The answer lies in well-nourished cells. Our cells are the building blocks of our body. A balanced diet rich in plant nutrients, such as vitamins and trace elements, provides exactly the building blocks that support our cells daily. With a diet rich in micronutrients, one can enhance the regeneration and adaptation processes in the cells - in the brain, in the heart, and in all other organs.

Conclusion:

Our biological age depends on the condition of our smallest building blocks, our cells. If these are well supplied with plant nutrients from a healthy diet, we can maintain good health into old age and gain many healthy years.