Carbohydrates may have gotten a bad rap, but a new study from Tufts University finds that some are better than others — and that older women in particular could reap the benefits.

The research, which was recently published in the journal JAMA Network Open, found that daily consumption of fiber and “high-quality” carbs in midlife can contribute to healthier aging and overall better wellness among older females.

The researchers defined “healthy aging” as “the absence of 11 major chronic diseases, lack of cognitive and physical function impairments, and having good mental health.”

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The study was led by researchers from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

“The main takeaway of the study is that consuming dietary fiber and high-quality carbohydrates — those from fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes — is associated with positive health status in older adulthood,” lead author Andres Ardisson Korat, a scientist at HNRCA, told Fox News Digital.

“This includes the absence of chronic diseases and good physical and cognitive function.”

The researchers collected data from the Nurses’ Health Study, in which 47,000 women reported their dietary habits and health outcomes between 1984 and 2016, according to a Tufts press release.

The women ranged in age from 70 to 93 by the end of the study period.

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The researchers looked at the women’s consumption of dietary fiber, total carbohydrates, refined carbohydrates, high-quality (unrefined) carbohydrates, and carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes.

They also analyzed glycemic index (each food’s score indicating how much it raises blood sugar) and glycemic load, which also takes into account portion size to provide a more accurate measure of each food’s impact on blood sugar.

“It’s not just about ‘carbs versus fats versus protein’ — it’s about what kind of carbs you’re eating.”

Women who consumed higher amounts of total carbohydrates; high-quality carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes; and total dietary fiber in midlife were 6% to 37% more likely to have healthy aging and to score higher in several areas of mental and physical wellness, the study found.

Conversely, consuming refined carbohydrates — which come from added sugars, refined grains and potatoes — and starchy vegetables resulted in a 13% reduced chance of healthy aging.

Quality over quantity

“This study reinforces something many of us intuitively feel: quality matters,” noted Melanie Avalon, a health influencer, entrepreneur and biohacker based in Atlanta, Georgia. 

“It’s not just about ‘carbs versus fats versus protein’ — it’s about the kind of carbs you’re eating.”

The researchers looked at the women’s consumption of dietary fiber, total carbohydrates, refined carbohydrates, high-quality (unrefined) carbohydrates, and carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes. (iStock)

Avalon, who was not involved in the research, discussed some of the more notable findings with Fox News Digital.

“Perhaps most surprising was the finding that replacing just 5% of calories from carbohydrates with protein (from either plant or animal sources) was associated with lower odds of healthy aging by 7% to 37%,” she said.

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Avalon also noted that when carbohydrates were segmented by type — processed versus unprocessed — the associations with healthy aging were independent of BMI (body mass index), a metric typically closely linked to metabolic health.

“This suggests the effects of carbohydrate quality on healthy aging were not solely explained by weight-loss effects,” she said.

Based on the study findings, experts recommend focusing on whole, unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.  (iStock)

The study also briefly touched on the controversial topic of seed oils.

“It found that higher intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) — which are commonly found in seed oils — was linked to decreased odds of healthy aging, adding nuance to the ongoing debate,” Avalon added.

Based on the study findings, the biohacker recommends favoring whole, unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. 

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“Shop the perimeter of the grocery store for produce and whole grains, as well as the freezer aisles for frozen fruit and vegetables,” she suggested. “Consider dipping into the aisles only for pantry staples like canned legumes.”

For those who tolerate grains, people can reap the benefits of foods like quinoa, brown rice, oats and whole wheat products, Avalon noted. 

“Prioritize fiber-rich foods and minimize refined carbohydrates like white bread, sugary beverages and ultraprocessed snacks,” an expert advised. (iStock)

“Prioritize fiber-rich foods and minimize refined carbohydrates like white bread, sugary beverages and ultraprocessed snacks.”

“These shifts can meaningfully support healthy aging and reduce the risk of chronic disease.”

Limitations and future research

One chief limitation of the study is that the participants were mainly white female healthcare workers.

“Because of the observational nature of the study, we cannot rule out confounding by other variables,” Korat said. “We would have liked to have data on men to evaluate the associations in this group.”

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The researchers called for more diverse studies that look closer at how dietary fiber and high-quality carbs contribute to healthy aging.

“We hope our findings help inform consumers about the importance of healthy diets in the promotion of healthy aging,” Korat added.

“Personalized nutrition, grounded in both science and self-awareness, may be key to thriving across the decades.”

“The more we can understand about healthy aging, the more science can help people live healthier for longer.”

Avalon added that while diet is “foundational,” it’s just one piece of the “healthy aging puzzle.”

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“Exercise, sleep, stress management and social connection all play a role,” she said.

“Ultimately, personalized nutrition, grounded in both science and self-awareness, may be key to thriving across the decades.”

New data has revealed that cannabis use among older adults is at an all-time high.

Researchers at UC San Diego and NYU discovered that marijuana use by Americans aged 65 and older increased by nearly 46% from 2021 to 2023, according to an NYU press release.

As more states legalize marijuana for recreational use, as well as for medicinal therapies, accessibility to the drug is more widespread, particularly among aging adults.

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The research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that 7% of 15,000 adults in this age range reported using cannabis in the last month, according to 2023 data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This was an increase from 4.8% in 2021 and 5.2% in 2022.

While marijuana use surged in both men and women, it was more prevalent among women.

The research found that increased use was associated with health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Those with a college or post-grad degree, an annual income of $75,000 or more, married status and residence in a state with legalized medical cannabis were also more likely to partake.

“Adults with the highest incomes initially had the lowest prevalence of cannabis use versus other income levels, but by 2023, they had the highest prevalence, which may indicate better access to medical cannabis given its costs,” the researchers noted in the study discussion.

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“The substantial increased prevalence in states with legalized medical cannabis highlights the importance of structural educational support for patients and clinicians in those states.”

The researchers also warned that the use of cannabis products, especially with psychoactive properties, could cause complications in chronic disease management in older adults.

New reports continue to find cannabis-related health risks in older users, experts warn. (iStock)

The study did not look at the frequency of cannabis use, cannabinoid type or recreational versus medical use.

In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, senior author Joseph Palamar, PhD, associate professor of population health at NYU Langone, noted his concern about cannabis use increasing among older populations.

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Palamar suggested the increased use is likely due to a combination of greater availability, decreased stigma and previous marijuana users aging into the 65+ cohort.  

“My worry is that some of these people may have adverse psychiatric reactions, especially if they use edibles,” he said. “It’s very easy to accidentally eat too much, and then there’s no turning back once it’s already ingested.”

Increased use was associated with health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). (iStock)

In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Barbara Krantz, medical director at Caron Treatment Centers in Florida, confirmed that she’s seen a “significant uptick” in cannabis use by individuals over 50.

“It is absolutely an active chemical we need to watch out for, and I’m very disturbed that the elderly are using it.”

While polls have shown that most older Americans use cannabis to improve sleep, reduce pain, alleviate mental health issues and to relax, Krantz shared some potential dangers of the habit.

Those include increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, increased hypertension and tachycardia, as well as worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Cannabis may also lead to interactions with other medications, which can increase their toxicity or decrease their effectiveness, Krantz cautioned.

Other potential risks include balance issues, delayed reaction times, increased confusion or cognitive impairment, and heightened anxiety, depression or anger.

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There could also be surgery-related risks, including complications due to anesthesia and delays in healing, the expert noted.

“Seniors should talk to their healthcare provider and their pharmacist before using any marijuana or cannabis product, because there are very real and specific dangers for older adults when using these substances,” Krantz advised.

Researchers and experts encourage older adults to discuss cannabis use with their doctors. (iStock)

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel commented on these findings during an appearance on “America’s Newsroom” on Tuesday, noting that regular use of cannabis can be dangerous if not tracked.

“You might use a gummy to go to bed, and then the next thing, you’re using two gummies, or three gummies, and it could increase anxiety, it can increase discombobulation, you’re not thinking clearly, ER visits are on the increase,” he cautioned.

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“We know about problems with the lungs,” Siegel added. “It can accelerate dementia and can affect behavior.”

The doctor likened the use of marijuana to the effects of smoking cigarettes in terms of damage to the heart and lungs.

One doctor likened the use of marijuana to the effects of smoking cigarettes in terms of damage to the heart and lungs. (iStock)

“It is absolutely an active chemical we need to watch out for, and I’m very disturbed that the elderly are using it,” he said.

“We’ve completely jumped the gun [on legalization] because people are going to the ER with psychosis. They’re going there with vomiting disorders. They’re having car accidents as a result,” he went on.

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“We are studying Colorado ever since it was legalized there, and the results are not pretty. We definitely jumped the gun by not anticipating all the medical risks here.”

Fox News Digital reached out to UC San Diego Medicine researchers for comment.

Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed to this report.

Certain foods may feed the brain better than others.

New research presented this week at NUTRITION 2025, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando, Florida, found that the MIND diet is particularly beneficial for cognitive health.

People who followed the MIND eating plan — which stands for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay — were “significantly less likely” to develop Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, according to a press release from the American Society for Nutrition.

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What is the MIND diet?

MIND is a hybrid of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), the latter of which is designed to reduce blood pressure.

The diet focuses on “brain-healthy foods” like leafy green vegetables, berries, nuts and olive oil.

“The MIND diet is unique as the first eating plan focused on foods to specifically improve and support cognitive health,” Lauren Harris-Pincus, registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of NutritionStarringYOU.com and author of “The Everything Easy Pre-Diabetes Cookbook,” told Fox News Digital. 

The plant-focused MIND diet highlights 10 types of food, including berries, leafy greens, veggies, whole grains, nuts and seeds, beans, legumes, seafood, poultry and olive oil, according to Harris-Pincus, who was not involved in the research. 

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“These focus foods contain nutrients that play a critical role in supporting brain health, including flavonoids, carotenoids, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA), choline, and minerals like magnesium, potassium and calcium,” she said.

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“The diet also suggests limiting foods such as pastries, refined sugar, red meat, cheese, fried foods, fast food, and butter or margarine.”

MIND’s impact on brain health

Researchers from the University of Hawaii analyzed data from nearly 93,000 U.S. adults who reported their dietary habits during the 1990s as part of the Multiethnic Cohort Study.

At the start of the study, participants ranged in age from 45 to 75.

“The MIND diet is unique as the first eating plan focused on foods to specifically improve and support cognitive health.”

In analyzing which participants developed Alzheimer’s or other dementias in later years, the MIND eating plan performed better than other healthy diets in terms of reducing dementia risk, with benefits seen among both younger and older groups.

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Those who followed the diet were shown to have an overall 9% reduced risk of dementia, and some groups — African American, Latino and White participants — showed a 13% lower risk.

Asian-Americans and native Hawaiians did not show as pronounced of a risk reduction.

Those who followed the plan over a 10-year period had a 25% lower risk compared to those who didn’t stick with it. (iStock)

The longer people adhered to the diet, the greater the reduction of risk. Those who followed the plan over a 10-year period had a 25% lower risk compared to those who didn’t stick with it.

“Our study findings confirm that healthy dietary patterns in mid to late life and their improvement over time may prevent Alzheimer’s and related dementias,” said Song-Yi Park, PhD, associate professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, in the release.

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“This suggests that it is never too late to adopt a healthy diet to prevent dementia.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first artificial intelligence (AI) tool to predict breast cancer risk.

The authorization was confirmed by digital health tech company Clairity, the developer of Clairity Breast – a novel, image-based prognostic platform designed to predict five-year breast cancer risk from a routine screening mammogram.

In a press release, Clairity shared its plans to launch the AI platform across health systems through 2025.

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Most risk assessment models for breast cancer rely heavily on age and family history, according to Clairity.

However, about 85% of cases occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer, likely stemming from genetic mutations that occur because of aging, health agencies report.

Traditional risk models have also been built on data from predominantly European Caucasian women, which Clairity said has not been “generalized well” to diverse backgrounds.

The AI tool analyzes subtle images from a screening mammogram that correlate with breast cancer risk, then generates a “validated five-year risk score” and delivers it to healthcare providers, the company noted.

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Dr. Connie Lehman, Clairity founder and breast imaging specialist at Mass General Brigham, stressed the importance of mammograms in early cancer detection.

“Now, advancements in AI and computer vision can uncover hidden clues in the mammograms – invisible to the human eye – to help predict future risk,” she said in a press release. 

Mammograms have been an essential part of breast cancer detection for decades. (iStock)

“By delivering validated, equitable risk assessments, we can help expand access to life-saving early detection and prevention for women everywhere.”

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Dr. Robert A. Smith, senior vice president of early cancer detection science at the American Cancer Society, also commented in a statement that personalized, risk-based screening is “critical to improving breast cancer outcomes, and AI tools offer us the best opportunity to fulfill that potential.”

“This is the wave of the future. AI is going to be part of the equation, but it’s not going to take over.”

“Clairity’s FDA authorization is a turning point for more women to access the scientific advances of AI-driven cancer risk prediction,” Larry Norton, founding scientific director of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, wrote in another statement. 

“Breast cancer is rising, especially among younger women, yet most risk models often miss those who will develop the disease,” he said. “Now we can ensure more women get the right care at the right time.”

“Advancements in AI and computer vision can uncover hidden clues in the mammograms,” stated the founder of Clairity. (iStock)

More than 2.3 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer globally each year, including more than 370,000 in the U.S., despite “decades of progress,” according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Cases have particularly been on the rise among younger women under the age of 50.

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In a Tuesday appearance on “America’s Newsroom,” Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel called Clairity’s development “profound.”

“Just looking at a mammogram … sometimes [radiologists] will see things that aren’t clear, they have to follow it over time,” he said. “AI improves how focused and how predictive it is, [shown] very dramatically in studies.”

Younger women are being diagnosed with breast cancer more frequently, data shows. (iStock)

Siegel confirmed that radiologists across the country are generally in support of leveraging AI for cancer detection, especially in areas of the country that are “underserved” in terms of healthcare.

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“In areas where you’re relying on radiologists without special training, this is even more important,” he said. 

“This is the wave of the future. AI is going to be part of the equation, but it’s not going to take over.”