Older people who eat healthy diets 'lead longer lives'

Volunteers in the 'healthy food cluster' ate more fruit, whole grains, poultry, fish and low fat dairy

Research in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found people over 70 who ate a low-fat diet with lots of fruit and vegetables lowered their risk of dying.

The study compared the diets of 2,500 US adults aged 70 - 79 over 10 years.

Those who ate a high fat diet rich in ice cream, cheese, and whole milk, had the highest risk of death.

The study showed that 12 extra people in every hundred survived over the ten years, if they ate healthily.

Participants were split into six different groups, according to how often they ate certain foods.

The groups were: healthy foods; high-fat diary products; meat, fried foods and alcohol; breakfast cereal; refined grains and sweets and desserts.

Those who had a "healthy foods" diet ate more low-fat dairy products, fruit, whole grains, poultry, fish, and vegetables.

People in this group had healthier lifestyles too; smoking less and being more active than other participants.

They also ate lower amounts of meat, fried foods, sweets, high-calorie drinks, and added fat.

The "high fat dairy products" cluster ate more ice cream, cheese and whole milk and yogurt. They ate less poultry, low fat dairy products, rice, and pasta.

Researchers found that those who followed a predominantly high fat, dairy products diet, had a higher death risk than those in the healthy food group.

No significant differences in death risk were seen between the "healthy foods" eaters and the "breakfast cereal" or "refined grains" eaters. ..................................................................

Read the article in full at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12038794