Recent research suggests that by eating more bright-colored vegetables and fruit, women cannot only live longer than men, they may also live higher.

Previous studies revealed that girls generally live longer than men, regardless that many recognized social determinants for health are worse for ladies than for men.

Recent research published in Dietary Neuroscience from the University of Georgia suggests that though women have higher rates of illness, these might be improved through weight loss program, specifically, one high in pigmented carotenoids like yams, kale, spinach, bell peppers, tomatoes, oranges, and carrots.

Per the researchers, bright-colored vegetables and fruit are particularly effective in helping maintain visual and cognitive clarity — each are metrics of life quality.

“The concept is that men get a variety of the diseases that are inclined to kill you, but women get those diseases less often or later so that they perseverate but with illnesses which might be debilitating,” said Billy R. Hammond, a professor in UGA’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences department of psychology behavioral and brains sciences program and co-author of the study.

“For instance, of all of the prevailing cases of macular degeneration and dementia on the earth, two-thirds are women … these diseases that girls suffer for years are the very ones most amenable to prevention through lifestyle,” he added. 

The study reviewed and analyzed data taken from previous bodies of labor and located that girls experience higher rates of autoimmune diseases and degenerative conditions than men. In keeping with Hammond, women account for nearly 80% of all of the autoimmune disease cases, which explains why they need extra preventive care.

The authors suggested the intake of two specific carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, which help prevent nervous system degeneration.

Often, taking supplements would suffice, but Hammond said getting the nutrients through food is a a lot better strategy since weight loss program components influence the brain.

“I do not think people quite realize what a profound effect weight loss program has on principally who they’re, their mood, even their propensity to anger,” Hammond said, adding that improving women’s microbiome and gut health needs to be given more attention.