The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Nutritionfocused on the Abruzzo region in central Italy.
The region is among the top areas in Italy for the number of nonagenarians (those between 90 and 99 years old) and centenarians (those 100 years old).
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In particular, the province of L’Aquila shows a high rate of nonagenarians and an extremely high number of centenarianscompared to the Italian average, with the highest numbers in the more rural internal areas of the region, the study researchers explained.
One of the main objectives of his research was know the meal times of the nonagenarians and centenarians of the region.
According to the researchers, the recent findings showed a role for late-night eating in metabolic disorders, highlighting The importance of meal timing for health.
They acknowledged that «no evidence is available on the role of meal timing for longevity.»
To remedy this, they conducted a survey of the meal timing and dietary habits of 68 nonagenarians and centenarians from the Abruzzo region of Italy. Other lifestyle information was also obtained, such as physical activity levels.
The results showed a tendency among the population to dine early, with an average around 7:13 p.m.
Other factors may also be at play. The researchers observed a general adherence to calorie restriction that lasted 17.5 hours between dinner and the following lunch.
The frequency of consumption was also high for cereals, vegetables, fruits and legumes; low for meat, processed meat and eggs; and contemptible for sweets.
Furthermore, the subjects were physically active throughout their lives.
The researchers concluded: «Our results support the importance of a period of daily caloric restriction, which hinders nocturnal postprandial stress and optimizes the metabolic response, associated with a high consumption of plant-based foods and physical activity for the longevity of Abruzzo centenarians».
General tips for living well
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health and can help you feel better.
This means eating a wide variety of foods in the correct proportions and consuming the right amount of foods and beverages to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
The Eatwell Guide shows that to have a healthy and balanced diet, people should try to:
- Eat at least five servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day.
- Base meals on foods that are high in fiber and starch, such as potatoes, bread, rice, or pasta.
- Have some dairy or dairy alternatives (like soy drinks)
- Eat some beans, legumes, fish, eggs, meat, and other protein.
- Choose unsaturated oils and spreads, and eat them in small amounts.
- Drink plenty of fluids (at least six to eight glasses a day).
- According to the NHS, if you consume foods and drinks that are high in fat, salt and sugar, drink them less often and in small amounts.
«Try to choose a variety of different foods from the five main food groups to get a wide range of nutrients,» advises the health body.
It points out that most people in the UK eat and drink too many calories, too much saturated fat, sugar and salt, and not enough fruit, vegetables, oily fish or fiber.
Saturated fat is associated with high cholesterol, a precursor to heart disease.