According to a recent study involving 103,649 participants, individuals who adhere to a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, experience an 18% to 24% lower risk of mortality from all causes. This dietary habit can translate to an increased life expectancy of two to three years. The research, conducted over ten and a half years, thoroughly analyzed the diet and genetic characteristics of the participants, revealing a significant correlation between a healthy diet and reduced premature mortality risk.

The five healthy dietary patterns studied included the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010, the Mediterranean Diet, the Plant-Based Diet Index, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and the Diabetes Risk Reduction Diet (DRRD). Those who adhered to these diets consistently showed lower mortality rates, which underlines the importance of dietary habits in enhancing lifespan and overall health. The findings underscore how lifestyle choices, particularly diet, can have a profound impact on long-term health outcomes.

Conducted by researchers from Tongji Medical College at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, this study adds to a growing body of evidence advocating for the benefits of a balanced and healthy diet. In addition to increasing longevity, adopting these dietary practices may help prevent chronic diseases, encouraging individuals to make more informed and health-conscious choices in their daily eating habits.