Nutrient-Rich Diet May Slow Biological Aging in Women

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that a nutrient-rich diet low in added sugars can slow biological aging in middle-aged women, Live Science reported yesterday.

Researchers found that women consuming more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants exhibited “younger-looking” cells, as indicated by chemical tags on DNA known as methyl groups, which influence gene activity.

Conversely, higher consumption of added sugars was linked to accelerated cellular aging, even among those with otherwise healthy diets. The study, which analyzed food records from 342 women, introduced the “Epigenetic Nutrient Index,” highlighting nutrients associated with DNA maintenance.

Co-author Elissa Epel emphasized that excessive sugar intake may significantly impact healthy longevity. While the findings support the benefits of nutritious eating, further research is needed to explore the long-term effects on epigenetic aging.