When we think about living longer, we usually focus on life span, or the total number of years we live. But health span, which refers to the years we live in good health, free from chronic and age-related issues, is just as important. The good news? Eating low carb and low sugar may improve your health span by reducing your risk of cognitive decline, enhancing your mood and promoting overall longevity. Keep reading to learn how low carb and low sugar may improve your health span.
Studies have found that what you eat can positively impact your brain health. A low-carb or ketogenic diet has been shown to fuel the brain more efficiently, which may help reduce the risk of mild cognitive decline and memory decline. Most recently, researchers from Tufts University analyzed data collected from over 3,000 people for nearly 70 years, from people from 4 years old to 70, to determine if what people eat throughout their lives impacts their cognitive abilities later in life. They found that nutrient-rich foods, like leafy greens and healthy fats, which are part of a low carb diet, were associated with better cognitive function.
In addition, what you eat plays a role in managing age-related diseases and preventing chronic conditions. Inflammation is a key driver of many age-related diseases, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s (sometimes referred to as “type-3 diabetes of the brain”), Metabolic Syndrome and type-2 diabetes. Eating low carb, especially if focusing on foods rich in antioxidants, can help decrease inflammation and oxidative stress. Gut health (or lack of it) is also linked to inflammation, but a diet rich in fiber-rich foods and healthy fats supports a healthy gut biome, which in turn helps reduce inflammation. The beauty of low carb eating? Fiber doesn’t count towards Net Carbs.
Mood and Low Carb and Low Sugar
Beyond brain health, eating low carb also has the potential to influence your mood and well-being by helping to stabilize your blood sugar levels, which helps prevent mood swings and energy crashes. Reducing the glycemic load of your diet by eating less sugar may also reduce stress and anxiety, improving mental and emotional health.
Low Carb and Low Sugar Foods for Boosting Your Health Span
- Certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fats (like those found in cold-water fish) and magnesium (found in dark green leafy greens, to start), have been shown to affect brain function and mood regulation positively.
- Eggs may be a brain-boosting food that decreases dementia risk.
- Berries and leafy greens are rich in antioxidants.
- Nuts give you a boost of healthy fats and protein.
- Fermented foods like kefir and kombucha, kimchi, and sauerkraut can improve gut health and promote a better mood.
- Tea, especially green tea, has been linked to lower stress levels.
A low carb, low sugar lifestyle may offer benefits beyond just weight loss—it may enhance your health span. From better brain health and mood to preventing age-related disease, eating low carb and low sugar may set the stage for a better quality of life well into your later years. It’s never too late to start!
