Antioxidants Promote Longevity by Countering Effects of Inflammatory Diets

Article by Don Goldberg

There is a strong link between chronic inflammation and most illness, and diets can be pro- or anti-inflammatory. In this study, doctors calculated the Dietary Inflammatory Index score in 8,089 participants, average age 49, who took an antioxidant supplement or a placebo, during a 13-year study period.

For the placebo group, doctors found a link between a high Dietary Inflammatory Index score and greater chances of dying from any cause over the study period.

Antioxidant-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, magnesium, and alcohol in moderate amounts. Pro-inflammatory foods include omega-6 fatty acids, refined sugars, and highly processed foods. The Mediterranean diet, with a focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish, is naturally anti-inflammatory, and achieves a low Dietary Inflammatory Index score.

(Reference: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; March, 2016, Vol. 103, No. 3, 878-85)




Additional Comments by Don Goldberg

This abstract is a bit confusing. There are several conclusions, apparently, than can be drawn:
1. An “anti-inflammatory” diet reduces “chances of dying from any cause.”
2. A “pro-inflammatory” diet increases “changes of dying from any cause.”
3. Taking antioxidant supplements will counter the negative effect of “pro-inflammatory” diets.