Scientists Identify Six Edibles That Delay Aging Process
Plant-Based Foods Rich in Methyladaptogens could Slow Down Biological Aging, New Study Suggests
A study published in the journal Aging has identified certain plant-based foods that may help slow down the body's biological aging process. The research focused on foods rich in natural compounds known as methyladaptogens.
Biological age, distinct from chronological age, is a measure that reflects the state of cells and tissues and can be influenced by factors such as genes, lifestyle, environment, sleep quality, stress levels, and diet.
Scientists from the University of Washington and other institutions examined the impact of diet on DNA methylation, a mechanism that regulates gene activity without altering its structure. Increased methylation levels in certain genomic areas have been linked to accelerated aging.
The study involved 43 healthy middle-aged men from Portland, Oregon, who followed a nutrient-rich plant-based diet, engaged in physical activity, prioritized sleep, and managed stress for eight weeks. The results revealed that participants who frequently consumed products such as turmeric, rosemary, garlic, berries, green or oolong tea, exhibited a decrease in their biological age.
These foods are rich in polyphenols, compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can interfere with methylation processes and slow down cellular aging. Notably, the greatest response in reducing biological age was seen in those whose biological age was initially higher than their chronological age. Weight loss was a side effect, but it did not explain the reduction in biological age.
The most notable methyladaptogen-rich foods highlighted in the study included green tea, turmeric, berries, garlic, rosemary, and oolong tea. These substances are a staple in the Mediterranean diet, traditionally associated with heart health and normal weight maintenance.
The study's authors acknowledge that the sample size was limited and call for larger studies involving more diverse groups and the use of modern aging biomarkers. For individuals interested in adopting a "methylation diet," they recommend including dark leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, colored and cabbage, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, beets, lean meat, low glycemic index fruits, and at least one serving of methyladaptogen-rich products in daily meals. The diet excluded dairy products, grains, legumes, and alcohol to prevent potential short-term digestive issues.
[Sources: science.nv.ua, ajcn.nutrition.org, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Health-and-wellness enthusiasts might consider incorporating science-backed healthy-diets rich in nutrition, such as those abundant in methyladaptogens, into their lifestyle. These specific plant-based foods, like green tea, turmeric, berries, garlic, rosemary, and oolong tea, could potentially slow down the biological aging process as suggested by the study published in the journal Aging.
