It has long been established that eating a healthy diet can extend your lifespan but research continues to establish the mechanisms that drive this beneficial effect. A Mediterranean-style diet has been consistently championed for its longevity benefits and a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has posited a novel explanation for its impact.<\/p>\n
Researchers investigated if a one-year Mediterranean-style diet intervention could alter the gut microbiota and reduce frailty.<\/p>\n
The gut microbiota is increasingly recognised as an important regulator of host immunity and brain health.<\/p>\n
The gut microbiota resides in the intestine and is home to the human body's largest population of microorganisms.<\/p>\n
To gather their findings, researchers profiled the gut microbiota in 612 non-frail or pre-frail subjects across five European countries (UK, France, Netherlands, Italy and Poland) before and after the administration of a 12-month long Mediterranean diet intervention tailored to elderly subjects (NU-AGE diet).<\/p>\n
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The NU-AGE diet emphasises greater intakes of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and cheese, fish, low-fat meat and poultry, nuts, and olive oil, the use of a vitamin D supplement (10 g) and lower intakes of alcohol, sodium and sweets.<\/p>\n
The researchers found adherence to the diet was associated with specific microbiome alterations.<\/p>\n
Adherence to the diet was \"positively associated with several markers of lower frailty and improved cognitive function\", the researchers wrote.<\/p>\n
What's more, the dietary approach was negatively associated with inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein and interleukin-17, they said.DON'T MISSMichael Schumacher health:Jean Todt visits tragic F1 star[INSIGHT]Covid is surging and there is 'only' one vaccinated symptom[TIPS]Dementia: The 'first' symptom of dementia[ADVICE]<\/p>\n
\"Collectively, our findings support the feasibility of improving the habitual diet to modulate the gut microbiota which in turn has the potential to promote healthier ageing,\" the researchers concluded.<\/p>\n
A Mediterranean diet incorporates the traditional healthy living habits of people from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including France, Greece, Italy and Spain.<\/p>\n
The Mediterranean diet varies by country and region, so it has a range of definitions.<\/p>\n
But in general, it's high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish, and unsaturated fats such as olive oil. It usually includes a low intake of meat and dairy foods.<\/p>\n
Exercise is also integral to longevity and should complement a healthy diet.<\/p>\n
\"Adults should do some type of physical activity every day. Exercise just once or twice a week can reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke,\" explains the NHS.<\/p>\n
The health body continues: \"Speak to your GP first if you have not exercised for some time, or if you have medical conditions or concerns.<\/p>\n
\"Make sure your activity and its intensity are appropriate for your fitness.\"<\/p>\n
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See the original post: It has long been established that eating a healthy diet can extend your lifespan but research continues to establish the mechanisms that drive this beneficial effect. A Mediterranean-style diet has been consistently championed for its longevity benefits and a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has posited a novel explanation for its impact. Researchers investigated if a one-year Mediterranean-style diet intervention could alter the gut microbiota and reduce frailty. Continue reading
\nHow to live longer: The diet that promotes 'healthier ageing' within one year of intake - Daily Express<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"