So much has been said lately about how bad carbs are for you. There are so many diets now based on cutting down on carbs. But now there are findings that suggest some carbs may help you live longer.
A new study has found that eating carbohydrates in moderation may be best for boosting longevity. The study involved more than 15,000 Americans who were tracked for a quarter of a century. It was found that those who ate a low carb diet (with less than 40 percent of daily calories coming from carbs) or a high-carb diet (with more than 70 percent of daily calories coming from carbs) were more likely to die during the study period, compared with those who ate a moderate-carb diet, with about 50 to 55 percent of their calories coming from carbs.
What this seems to imply is that individuals who want to live longer must watch their carb intake even more closely making sure not to have too many or too few carbs in their diet. For example, based on the findings, the researchers estimated that from age 50, people who consumed a moderate-carb diet would have a life expectancy that was about four years longer than those who consumed a very low-carb diet (with an average life expectancy of 83 years for moderate-carb eaters versus 79 years for very low-carb eaters).
But as with many research studies there is still more data that needs to be examined before any definite conclusions can be reached.
Researchers are still of the opinion that a generally balanced diet that includes fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, fish, dairy, and unprocessed meats—all in moderation is the best direction to follow for those seeking general good health and increased longevity. It all comes down to what many have known all along, eat good food and your body will last longer.
