The secret of centenarians: Chinese research links eating meat in women to the chances of reaching the age of 100

Listen to the article. The audio text is automated, generated by an automated system

Humans today are living longer than ever before, as scientists expect that the number of people over the age of 80 will exceed half a billion by 2050. According to Science Alert, citing the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers continue to study dietary patterns associated with longevity and enjoying better health in the advanced stages of life.

Previous research indicates that diets rich in whole, plant-based foods and healthy fats are generally associated with longer lifespan, but the role of meat is still a matter of scientific debate, especially in older people.

In a large Chinese study that included more than 5,000 people over the age of 80, researchers found that women who ate meat were more likely to reach the age of 100 compared to vegetarian women. The analysis did not show a clear relationship between vegetarianism and longevity in men.

The results also showed that vegetarian women who were underweight had lower chances of reaching the age of 100 compared to those who ate meat. The researchers showed that eating meat daily was associated with a 44% increase in the probability of reaching the age of 100 among elderly people who suffer from low weight, while this effect did not appear among those who were normal or overweight.

In contrast, vegetarians who ate fish, dairy, or eggs had similar chances of reaching the age of 100 as omnivores, indicating the importance of getting essential nutrients and adequate protein regardless of diet type.

The study was based on data from the China Longitudinal Healthy Aging Survey (CLHLS), one of the largest research projects on the elderly in the world. The researchers compared data from 1,459 people over the age of 100 with 3,744 people whose ages ranged between 80 and 99 years.

The study suggested that body mass index plays an important role in explaining the relationship between diet and longevity. Researchers point out that low weight in the elderly may increase the risk of malnutrition and loss of muscle mass, which may negatively affect the chances of living longer.

These results are supported by recent studies that confirm the importance of maintaining muscle mass by obtaining sufficient amounts of protein as one ages. But the researchers stress that the results do not prove a direct causal relationship, but rather reveal associations that may be interfered with by other factors related to health, lifestyle, and environment.

Other research suggests that behavioral factors, such as nutrition, physical activity and good sleep, may explain a large part of the chances of enjoying a longer life and better health. Also, the nutritional needs of older people may differ from those of younger age groups.

In the end, scientists believe that the best diet for longevity is the one that combines diversity and balance and meets individual nutritional needs. While vegetarian diets have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, the quality and quantity of meat remains a critical factor, as red and processed meats are associated with less positive health outcomes, so it is recommended to eat them in moderation within a balanced diet.