Changing Your Diet May Slow Aging, Study Suggests
A recent study reveals that modifying your diet, even if you’re older, could help slow down the aging process in just a month. Researchers from the University of Sydney conducted a study with 104 participants aged between 65 and 75, splitting them into four different diet groups.
Two of the groups followed omnivorous diets, which included both animal and plant proteins. One was high in fat, while the other focused more on carbohydrates. The other two groups followed semi-vegetarian diets, again varying by fat and carbohydrate content. Across all diets, 14% of the total energy came from protein.
Researchers talk about “biological age,” which refers to the age your body seems based on health indicators rather than just how many years you have lived.
To assess the impact of these dietary changes, the scientists measured various health markers, including cholesterol and insulin levels. This helped them understand how short-term dietary changes can affect biological aging.
As noted in their report, “While chronological age increases uniformly, biological aging varies between individuals, reflecting differences in health status.” The researchers suggest that biomarker profiles may indicate overall health and potential longevity better than age alone.
After four weeks, they found that three of the four diet groups experienced a reduction in their biological age. However, those following the high-fat omnivorous diet did not see any significant changes.
The study, published in Aging Cell, emphasized that diets rich in complex carbohydrates and plant-based foods produced the best results in reducing biological age.
Despite these promising findings, the researchers advise caution, stating that these results are preliminary and may only show short-term effects. “It’s too soon to say definitively that diet changes will extend your life,” said Caitlin Andrews, the study’s lead researcher. “But this research suggests that dietary changes could be beneficial later in life.”
In conclusion, while more work is needed, adjusting your diet could be a step toward better health as you age.
