Dietary Fibre Intake Linked To Successful Ageing

A recent study found that increasing the intake of fibre-rich foods could successfully lead to a disease-free, fully functional old age.

We all know that incorporating more fibre in our diet has a multitude of benefits to the body. But how can dietary fibre benefit us in the long run? Scientists from The Westmead Institute for Medical Research did a recent research on this and found that consuming the right amount of fibre from foods like breads, cereals and fruits was linked to successful ageing.

Successful ageing was defined as having a lack of chronic disease, little limitations in physical function, and good mental health after a period of 10 years.

To explore the relationship between carbohydrate nutrition and healthy ageing, the researchers compiled data from the Blue Mountains Eye Study (BMES), a benchmark population-based study that examined a cohort of more than 1,600 adults aged 49 years and older.

The results indicate that older adults who had the highest intake of fibre from fruits and breads or cereals (primarily from rolled oats and wholemeal or wholegrain breads), had an almost 80 percent greater likelihood of living a longer and healthier life after a 10-year follow up. That meaning they were less likely to suffer from hypertension, diabetes, dementia, depression, and functional disability.

Ageing is associated with the development of chronic inflammation and the progressive deterioration of metabolic function. Dietary fibre creates a protective effect that could help prevent spikes in high blood glucose levels, which in turn reduces the overproduction of free radical molecules and inflammatory responses.

In sum, the study’s findings suggest that certain lifestyle changes such as increasing the intake of fibre-rich foods could be a successful way to enjoy a ripe old age devoid of disease and functional limitations.

Comments

comments