Western diet linked to mortality

DATA from a new 16-year study of British adults suggest that a “Western-style” diet (fried and sweet food, processed and red meat, refined grains and high-fat dairy products) reduces a person’s likelihood of achieving older age. Study results appear in the May issue of The American Journal of Medicine.

Researchers examined the participants’ diets, based on adherence to the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) originally designed with the specific intention to combat major chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The study determined those who followed a diet consisting of fried and sweet food, processed food and red meat, refined grains, and high-fat dairy products lowered their chances for ideal aging.