(NaturalPath) A new study, done by researchers at The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, has discovered a new benefit of fiber consumption.
Traditionally fiber is thought of a means to maintain regular bowels. New data from the Blue Mountains Eye Study was interested in the relationship of carbohydrate consumption, and the successful aging process. Factors such as total fiber intake, glycemic index, glycemic load, and sugar intake were all evaluated. Successful aging was based on an absence of disability, depressive symptoms, cognitive impairments, cardiovascular disease, respiratory symptoms, and other chronic diseases.
Results demonstrated that out of all the carbohydrate variables, fiber consumption had the strongest association with living a healthier and longer life. Individuals with the highest consumption of fiber had a reduced risk of developing hypertension, diabetes, dementia, depression, and any other functional disability.
This study emphasizes the importance of proper diet, and sufficient fiber consumption, in order to promote healthy aging.
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.
References
Bamini Gopinath et al. Association Between Carbohydrate Nutrition and Successful Aging Over 10 Years. The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, May 2016 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glw091
