Not only has research found that dietary fibre may help you live longer, one study has found that it could contribute to healthier aging—making that longer life more enjoyable! Published in the Journals of Gerontology, the study included 1,609 people aged 49 and older, who hadn’t had cancer, coronary artery disease, or a stroke. Over the course of ten years, researchers collected dietary data on the participants via food frequency questionnaires, which included questions regarding the glycaemic index and glycaemic load of the participants' diets, as well as about their carbohydrate, sugar, and fibre intake. During the same period, researchers interviewed each participant to determine their “successful aging status,” defined as the absence of disability, depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, respiratory symptoms, and chronic diseases. At the end of the ten-year study, researchers discovered that:

• A total of 249 (15.5%) participants had achieved successful aging status.
• Eating more fibre was linked to a better chance of healthy aging: participants with the highest dietary fibre intake had a nearly 80% greater chance of successful aging than those with the lowest fibre intake.
• The specific high-fibre foods associated with successful aging were breads, cereals, and fruits.
• Those who ate more fibre, as well as lower glycaemic index foods, were also less likely to die during the 10-year study period.

These findings suggest that eating more fibre could help disease-free adults stay healthy while they age. And it’s really no surprise—fibre has a long track record of health benefits including better weight management and blood sugar control, and a reduced risk of stroke. So, if you’re ready to get your fibre fill, stock up on these good sources: whole grains, oats, barley, beans, most fruits (but not fruit juice), nuts and seeds, and vegetables like broccoli, carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes.

Source: Journals of Gerontology