Chronological age and biological age don’t always match up.
In fact, some people may age biologically at a pace that far exceeds their years, leading to elevated risks for various health issues and increasing the likelihood of premature death.
New research suggests that dietary choices—especially a deficiency in fruits and vegetables, paired with high consumption of red meat, fast foods, and sugary drinks—are major contributors to this accelerated biological aging, even in young adults.
Understanding Biological Aging
Biological aging represents the difference between how old someone is in years and how old their body appears to be biologically.
This discrepancy can vary widely among individuals and is often assessed using epigenetic clocks.
These advanced models analyze DNA methylation patterns, which play a vital role in regulating gene expression, to estimate biological age.
Research Findings
A team of researchers from the University of Jyväskylä and the Gerontology Research Center investigated how diet impacts the rate of biological aging in young adults.
The study focused on twins aged 20 to 25, providing a unique perspective on how genetics and environment interplay in the context of aging.
The results clearly demonstrated that those who consumed fewer fruits and vegetables and indulged in high quantities of red and processed meats, fast food, and sugary sodas displayed signs of accelerated biological aging.
On the flip side, participants who emphasized fruits and vegetables in their diets and reduced their intake of meat and sugary drinks tended to age more slowly on a biological level.
Conclusion and Implications
Leading the research, Suvi Ravi pointed out that while other lifestyle factors—like exercise, smoking, and body weight—may also influence biological aging, the connection between diet and aging was significant even after accounting for these variables.
This underscores the importance of diet as a standalone factor in the aging process.
By studying twins, the researchers could delve deeper into the genetic influences that might affect dietary habits and biological aging.
The findings indicated that shared genetics played a crucial role in this relationship rather than shared childhood experiences.
Ravi emphasized that despite the genetic factors at play, embracing a healthier diet can yield benefits for everyone, regardless of genetic background.
This research is part of a broader project examining how nutrition affects common health issues, supported by the Juho Vainio Foundation.
It relies on data from the FinnTwin12 study, which provided insights from 826 individuals, including 363 twin pairs that completed a food frequency questionnaire about their typical consumption across 55 different food categories.
Under the guidance of Elina Sillanpää, Associate Professor of Health Promotion, Suvi Ravi leads the GenActive research group.
This team explores the intricate relationship between genetic and lifestyle factors that influence biological aging, overall health, and functional well-being.
Source: ScienceDaily