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A Healthy Diet Linked To Lower Risk Of Hearing Loss In Women

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital says a healthy diet could reduce the risk of hearing loss in women by 30 percent.

The study looked at the eating habits of nearly 71,000 nurses over a period of 22 years. Researchers specifically looked at three types of diet: the Alternate Mediterranean diet (AMED), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010).

First author and epidemiologist at BWH Dr. Sharon Curhan says her team found that it wasn't one specific diet, but a pattern of healthy eating, that made the difference.

"Vegetables and fruits, and nuts and legumes, and whole grains and healthy fats in particular olive oil, and moderate alcohol intake," she says.

She adds that balance is also important, and the diet should minimize intake of red meat, processed meat, refined sugar and grains and fruit juices.

Don't rush to throw out those cookies, though. Curhan says less healthy foods are OK — but only in moderation.

Headshot of Rachel Paiste

Rachel Paiste News Writer
Rachel Paiste is a news writer and editor at WBUR.

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