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Posted on Jun 30, 2008, 8 p.m.
By Jeanelle Topping
Scientists at an anti-aging event were promoting the benefits of a healthy diet in prolonging lives, it has been reported.
Scientists at an anti-aging event were promoting the benefits of a healthy diet in prolonging lives, it has been reported.
Anti-aging physicians gathered at the 'Fountain of Youth: Nutrition Intervention in Aging' event at the Institute of Food Technologists' in New Orleans last week to discuss the advantages of a diet including fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains.
Dr Mary Johnson, a professor at the University of Georgia, said: "The food industry has a receptive market in the aging population. Older people want to be healthy, to live healthfully, to have a good time. ... Some science suggests that older people might benefit more from improved nutrition than younger people."
Various fruits and vegetables include vitamin B12 which aids bone health and balance while vitamin D is especially good for older people.
Dr Jim Joseph, from the Human Nutrition Research Center for Aging, said: "It doesn't take much of these foods to make a difference. A pint of strawberries or a spinach salad a day works a lot better in keeping older people vital than a wonder drug."
The Institute of Food Technologists has 22,000 members working in food science and technology.
