Health
Adding 4 Years to Your Life: Diet Beats Genetics in Longevity Study
February 22, 2026 12:14 • UTC+5 (Ashgabat) • 14 views

Scientists have calculated that a balanced diet at age 45 significantly increases life expectancy, proving that lifestyle choices can override "unfavorable" genes.
A recent study in Science Advances reveals that switching to a healthy diet can extend lifespan by 1 to 4.3 years. Researchers from Huazhong University analyzed data from 100,000 UK Biobank participants, concluding that diet benefits everyone, regardless of their genetic predisposition to longevity. The AHEI index (rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) showed the strongest impact, adding 4.3 years for men and 3.2 years for women. The Mediterranean diet adds roughly 2.3 years.