Want to Live Longer? Study Says to Eat Like This

Pinpointing the exact diet for a longer and healthier life is overwhelming! Conducted by Harvard University researchers, a long-duration study shows that instead of one specific diet to achieve longevity, there can be several healthy diets and eating patterns to gain a positive shift in our life expectancy.

The Study

The painstakingly extensive research followed the diets and eating habits of 44,000 men and 75,000 women over 36 years. The participants filled out questionnaires every four years regarding their food habits. Then, each participant was scored based on their adherence to one or more eating patterns. The consistent participants with healthy eating patterns reduced the risk of issues with cardiovascular diseases by 6-13%, respiratory diseases by 35-46%, and chronic illnesses by 7-18%. Here are the two main eating patterns the participants adhered to during the study:

Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)

The Alternative Healthy Eating Index, or AHEI, rates foods based on their capability of preventing chronic illnesses and diseases like strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, etc. AHEI food choices mainly include a variety of seasonal vegetables, especially leafy greens, and also legumes, nuts, whole grains, four servings of fresh fruits per day, vegetable proteins such as tofu, healthy fats such as olive oil, and fish, while avoiding saturated fats, fruit juices, refined grains, and potatoes. As per the study, participants following this diet achieved a decreased risk of health issues by a rate of 20%.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA)

The DGA or Dietary Guidelines for Americans is a metric designed to measure the quality of diets by how closely the person follows its recommendations. These diets focus on portions, variety, and nutrient density. Avoid sugary beverages, and limit saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium intake. Less specific on the foods to eat, the DGA guidelines mainly outline ways to customize daily nutrient-rich meals, staying within calorie limits while at the same time meeting dietary needs. Within the study, participants who followed the DGA eating pattern achieved a 19% lower risk of health issues.

Study Says That Social Media Can Put Hikers in Dangerous Situations

Be it for good or for bad, social media has immensely influenced the lives and reality of its users. A huge part of the population uses at least some social media platforms to stay connected with all the different parts of the world. Now, these social media handles are playing a key role in the way hikers communicate their adventures to one another and the public at large. However, even though these trekkers might be an inspiration, a recent study indicates that they may also be putting some travelers in danger.

Concerns Behind the Backlash

The sudden response of internet users is frequently to be blamed when a hiker falls from a height or is assaulted while taking a picture of an animal to pop-clout selfie-seeking. When it comes to selfie-driven injuries, researchers from Turkey say that around 159 of them have died while taking selfies for their social media posts. It is believed that one daring selfie taken by a hiker may inspire others to follow suit, and over time, particular hiking locations may come to be associated with acceptance rather than risk.

The Study

In the article published in Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, Dr. Zachary Lu from the University of California, Irvine, compared social media data with SAR and national park visitation figures. Dr. Lu did so to establish a connection between traffic, social posts, and rescues. He stated that the main aim of the study is to ensure that everyone has a good time while staying safe, especially with regard to social media. The study has been developed to examine quantitative data from social media sites, and conduct a side-by-side comparison to find out whether there is any correlation between these posts and the search and rescue incidents in national parks. The study aims to help people use social media to motivate people rather than land themselves, and others, in sticky situations.