Eating these 6 foods can actually reverse aging: study

Thyme to turn back the clock!

A new study suggests that consuming plant-based foods rich in natural substances called methyl adaptogens can potentially slow biological aging.

Biological age is the age of our cells and tissues — it may be higher or lower than our chronological age, which is the number of years we’ve been alive. Factors like genetics, environmental exposures, sleep habits, stress management and diet can significantly impact biological age.

Researchers from the University of Washington and other institutions wanted to investigate how dietary choices can influence DNA methylation, a process that regulates gene activity without changing the DNA sequence itself.

More DNA methylation at specific sites in the genome is associated with a higher biological age.

The study authors followed 43 healthy, middle-aged men from Portland, Oregon. The participants had finished an eight-week program that emphasized a plant-based, nutrient-rich diet as well as exercise, sleep and stress reduction.

The researchers determined that those who ate more turmeric, rosemary, garlic, berries, green tea and/or oolong tea experienced greater declines in biological age.

These six substances contain polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They may help slow genetic aging by interfering with enzymes involved in DNA methylation.

It’s no coincidence that the Mediterranean diet, which promotes heart health and weight management, is rich in polyphenols.

Participants with a higher biological age than chronological age at the start of the study were more likely to turn back the clock. Unintentional weight loss was a common side effect, but it did not predict a decline in biological age.

The findings were recently published in the Aging journal.

The researchers acknowledged the small sample size and said future studies should include a larger and more diverse population, as well as newer biological age measures to confirm these results.

Inside the ‘methylation diet’

The study authors recommend daily consumption of dark leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage), colorful vegetables, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, beets, lean meats, low-glycemic fruit (apples, grapefruit and cherries) and a serving or more from the methyl adaptogen group.

The options are:

• Berries: Half cup
• Rosemary: Half teaspoon
• Turmeric: Half teaspoon
• Garlic: 2 cloves
• Green tea: 2 cups
• Oolong tea: 3 cups

Dairy, grains, legumes and alcohol should be avoided.

“Although research on whole grains, legumes and certain dairy products supports the consumption of these foods as health-promoting,” the study authors wrote, “they were omitted from the study diet to reduce the potential for short-term gastrointestinal side effects.”