High Quality Carbohydrates Can Extend Life? Here's the Explanation

Illustration of high-quality carbohydrates. (Freepik)

JAKARTA - Recent research shows that high-quality carbohydrates can support healthy aging. These carbohydrates even have the potential to add years to life without serious health problems.

The findings open up new insights into the importance of choosing the right type of carbohydrate in the daily diet, especially to improve quality of life in old age. This study observed the diet of more than 47 thousand women over 30 years.

The study found that women who ate more high-quality carbohydrates in middle age had a 37 percent higher chance of living a healthy life in old age, without chronic diseases or physical or mental disorders.

Quoted from Prevention, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, high-quality carbohydrates are complex carbohydrates found naturally in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes (legumes).

Experts say that this type of carbohydrate provides the body with the nutrients it needs, as well as helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, supports brain function, and makes the body feel full for longer.

Processed carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta, rice, and sweet cakes, have less nutrients and fiber. This is because the process that turns them into foods that are easy to store and more delicious, but contain more sugar and starch.

Researchers highlight the important difference between the two types of carbohydrates. Processed carbohydrates contain a lot of sugar and starch, but very little nutrients, while high-quality carbohydrates support optimal body function, help reduce inflammation, and provide a variety of long-term health benefits.

"Processed carbohydrates contain a lot of empty calories that do not provide nutritional benefits, while high-quality carbohydrates such as those found in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber," said nutritionist, Julie Smith, R.D.

In addition, high-quality carbohydrates also have many benefits such as maintaining healthy digestion, lowering the risk of heart disease, and regulating blood sugar levels. All of this is very important for overall body health, which helps prolong life.