Five healthy diets tied to longer life, regardless of genes
A UK Biobank analysis of over 100,000 people followed for about a decade finds that strong adherence to five established healthy dietary patterns—the Mediterranean, Diabetes Risk Reduction Diet, DASH, plant-based, and Alternative Healthy Eating Index—is associated with 1.5 to 3.0 extra years of life, regardless of genetic predisposition to shorter lifespan. Key drivers include high fiber from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and low sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods. No single diet is labeled best; the benefit comes from consistently following any of these patterns. Observational design means causation can’t be proven, and lifestyle factors like exercise and sleep also play a role.
