Does a Healthful Eating Pattern Extend Life?

Nearly everyone believes that an unhealthful diet has adverse consequences, including heightened risk for early death. However, most supportive evidence is based on research that involved single nutrients or foods, and people don't eat that way. In this prospective cohort study, researchers examined diet–mortality associations using data from the Nurses' Health Study (75,000 women; mean age at study entry, 50) and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (44,000 men; mean age at study entry, 53).

Validated food frequency questionnaires were administered every 2 to 4 years, from which several eating patterns were derived. Healthful patterns shared multiple components, including intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. After …