Diet Tweaks For Longer Life: Gender Matters

Scientists have discovered that men and women can achieve longer lives by adopting different dietary strategies. While common advice such as eating more fruits and vegetables and reducing red meat intake is beneficial for everyone, specific modifications can further enhance longevity. Research conducted by Queen Mary University of London, analyzing data from nearly 104,000 middle-aged individuals in Britain, revealed that adopting the right diet can decrease the risk of premature death by as much as 24 percent.

Men may potentially add three years to their lifespan by adhering to an ideal diet, whereas women could gain 2.3 years. Both genders are advised to limit consumption of red and processed meats, white bread, pasta, fried foods, and ready meals. Conversely, increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and beans is recommended for all. The study suggests a modified Mediterranean diet tailored for each sex.

For men, a diabetes risk reduction diet that focuses on lowering blood sugar, incorporating significant amounts of coffee, proved most effective. The antioxidants in coffee are known to offer various health benefits. Women, however, experienced greater longevity by following an alternate Mediterranean diet that emphasized increased fish consumption and excluded potatoes, thereby boosting protein intake and reducing carbohydrates.