A prospective study published in Nature Medicine in 2025 analysed 105,015 US health professionals followed for up to 30 years. Researchers examined eight dietary patterns in relation to healthy aging: reaching age 70 without eleven major chronic diseases while preserving cognitive, physical and mental health.
Overall, 9,771 participants (9.3%) met these criteria. Greater adherence to each of the eight patterns was associated with higher odds of healthy aging. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and unsaturated fats were among the foods favourably associated.
This observational study does not establish causality. Unmeasured factors may contribute, and some functions were self-reported. Findings in US health professionals do not automatically generalise to Morocco.
For our prevention efforts, the practical question is how to make varied, quality diets accessible while respecting household budgets and our cultural eating habits.