A groundbreaking study published in the scientific journal Aging-US has revealed that consuming specific plant-based foods rich in natural compounds known as “methyl adaptogens” can significantly reduce a person’s epigenetic age, also referred to as their biological age.
Study Findings:
The research analyzed data from the Methylation Diet and Lifestyle (MDL) study, which examined the effects of an eight-week diet and lifestyle intervention on healthy middle-aged men.
Participants in the intervention group followed a plant-centered diet rich in polyphenolic compounds, engaged in regular exercise, practiced daily meditation, and adhered to sleep recommendations. The study found that those who incorporated these lifestyle changes reduced their epigenetic age by an average of 3.14 years compared to the control group.
Understanding Epigenetic Age:
Epigenetic age is a measure of how old a person’s cells appear biologically, rather than their chronological age. Scientists determine this through DNA methylation patterns—chemical tags on DNA that indicate whether a person is aging faster or slower than expected.
Impact of Methyl Adaptogen Foods:
The study identified that participants who consumed higher amounts of methyl adaptogen foods, such as turmeric, rosemary, garlic, berries, green tea, and oolong tea, experienced greater reductions in epigenetic age. These foods contain natural compounds that influence gene behavior by affecting DNA methylation, a key marker of cellular aging.
Health Benefits:
Previous research has shown that these compounds support healthy aging and may lower the risk of conditions such as heart disease and cognitive decline. The study reinforces the idea that incorporating polyphenol-rich plant-based foods into one’s diet can have far-reaching health benefits, regardless of whether a person is vegetarian or omnivorous.
Practical Implications:
Polyphenols, found in many vegetables, fruits, and teas, act as antioxidants, reduce inflammation, and support gut health. Adding these foods to one’s daily diet is a low-effort intervention that can potentially yield significant health benefits.
Conclusion
While the study highlights the potential power of methyl adaptogen-rich foods in reversing biological aging, it is important to note that the findings are observational and based on a relatively small sample size of 38 men. More research is needed to confirm these results. However, the study builds on a growing body of evidence supporting the health benefits of a methylation diet.
