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Plant-based diet linked to healthy ageing

Following a healthy, plant-based diet and a lower intake of ultra-processed foods has been linked to a higher likelihood of healthy ageing, a new study has found. The findings were discovered by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the University of Copenhagen and the University of Montreal.

The researchers examined the midlife diets and eventual health outcomes of more than 105,000 women and men aged between 39 and 69 over a 30-year period.

The participants completed dietary questionnaires, which the researchers scored on how well they adhered to eight healthy dietary patterns. All of these diets are based on a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats, nuts, and legumes, and some also include low to moderate intake of healthy animal-based foods such as fish and certain dairy products.

The researchers also assessed the participants’ intake of ultra-processed foods.

The results showed that 9.3% of the participants aged healthfully. This was defined as reaching the age of 70 free of major chronic diseases and with cognitive, physical, and mental health maintained.

The leading healthy diet was the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), which was developed to prevent chronic diseases. Another leading diet for healthy aging was the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI), which considers both human and environmental health by emphasising plant-based foods and minimising animal-based foods. Higher intake of ultra-processed foods, especially processed meat and sugary and diet beverages, was associated with lower chances of healthy ageing. The study was published in Nature Medicine.

Survey shows demand for plastic-free packaging

A new survey by the Love Food Hate Waste campaign has demonstrated that there is an increased demand for plastic-free produce. The survey found that 78% of UK adults who buy fresh fruit and veg would prefer to buy loose produce rather than packaged items. As a result, food waste organisation WRAP has called for a consultation on a packaging ban on 21 fruit and veg items. Statistics from the organisation reveal that 60,000 tonnes of food waste could be prevented if all apples, potatoes and bananas were sold loose, representing 8.2 million shopping baskets’ worth of food.

Half of Brits struggle to consume enough nutrients

Around half (48%) of the UK population find it difficult to get all their daily vitamins and minerals from their diets, a new survey has revealed. This number rises to 61% among 18 to 24-year-olds. The survey of 2,044 UK residents was carried out in December 2024 and further reveals that 53% of Brits want to incorporate more vitamins and minerals into their diet, reflecting a growing desire for healthier eating habits.

Earlier this year, NHS England revealed that hospital admissions caused by a lack of vitamins are on the rise, with the main diagnosis being anaemia (a lack of iron) or B vitamin deficiencies. Dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton said: “Many people struggle to meet their daily vitamin and mineral needs, and breakfast is the perfect opportunity to kickstart the day with essential nutrients. The choices we make first thing in the morning, like adding spinach for iron, citrus for vitamin C, or eggs for B vitamins and vitamin D, can have a lasting impact on our energy levels and mental health. A well-rounded breakfast, rich in these nutrients, not only supports immunity and bone health but also contributes to long-term wellbeing. It’s encouraging to see more people seeking ways to improve their diets, and making small adjustments to your morning routine is an easy yet effective place to start.”

Study highlights links between lung cancer and poor diet

A new study has shed some light on the links between lung cancer and a poor diet. The study was the result of a collaboration between the University of Kentucky and the University of Florida.

The study focused on glycogen accumulation and its effects on cancer cells. Ramon Sun, Ph.D., from the UF Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research, explained that the typical Western diet increases glycogen levels and glycogen feeds lung cancer tumours by providing their building blocks for growth. He added that glycogen is an “exceptionally good predictor” of tumour growth and death in lung cancer patients.

Sun added: “In the long term, our approach to cancer prevention should mirror the success of the anti-smoking campaign – placing greater emphasis on public awareness and policy-driven strategies that promote healthier dietary choices as a fundamental component of disease prevention.”

Study collaborator Matthew Gentry, Ph.D, said: “Prioritising a nutrient-rich diet, maintaining an active lifestyle and minimising alcohol intake are foundational strategies for long-term health. Fostering better dietary habits can be a powerful tool in lung cancer prevention.”

Mineral status in pregnancy linked to blood pressure

Pregnant women with higher blood levels of the minerals copper and manganese, along with vitamin B12, had a lower risk of developing high blood pressure in middle age, according to a new study.

The researchers analysed data from nearly 500 women which was recorded during their pregnancies, between 1999 and 2002. This focused on the women’s levels of key vitamins and minerals. The researchers then analysed follow-up data from the same women, taken during 2017 and 2021, who were now at a median age of 51.2 years. This included blood pressure measurements.

The findings showed that higher levels of copper and manganese during pregnancy were associated with lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of developing high blood pressure decades later. Higher levels of vitamin B12 were also associated with lower blood pressure in midlife.

“Circulating levels of these metals and minerals in blood were measured,” said lead study author Mingyu Zhang. “However, the sources of exposure, such as food or dietary supplements, were not quantified so these findings should not be interpreted as recommendations. Optimising these essential metals, minerals and vitamins, particularly copper, manganese and vitamin B12, during pregnancy may offer protective benefits against hypertension in midlife, an especially critical time period for women’s future cardiovascular risk in later life.”

The findings were published in the American Heart Association’s peer-reviewed journal Hypertension.

New report calls for a tax on processed foods

The introduction of a tax on processed foods is one of several proposals that have been put forward in a major new report aimed at tackling the UK’s obesity crisis.

Professor Chris Hilson from the University of Reading is the author of the report, entitled Regulatory Tools for a Healthy and Sustainable Diet. He said: “Extending the sugar tax to all processed foods is vital. The current levy has successfully cut sugar in soft drinks, but we need to see the same success with products like milkshakes, biscuits, yogurts and breakfast cereals to improve public health. Mandatory measures on the food sector, such as a salt tax, should be considered by MPs. Stronger regulations on the wider food sector could mean a healthier environment, as well as a healthier population.”

Other key recommendations include setting sectoral greenhouse gas targets for agriculture and adding dairy and beef farms to environmental permitting schemes. The report also calls for large food businesses to report on their sales of unhealthy products and recommends making front of pack traffic light food labelling mandatory on all products.

Professor Hilson added: “Stronger regulation would support economic growth and national security. We can’t produce food without healthy soils, thriving pollinators and a stable climate, and no economy benefits from a population made sick by poor diets.”