Anti-Aging Starts Young
By Editorial Staff
Anti-aging starts young - as early as young adulthood in terms of slowing biological aging. We've discussed biological vs. chronological age several times before: Chronological is your age from your date of birth to now; you can't do anything to change it. But biological age – the relative age of your body from a health perspective – is a different thing altogether. Research suggests lifestyle behaviors can modify biological age, meaning you might be 45 in chronological years, but only 30 in biological years – or unfortunately, the opposite.
Research suggests diet may be a primary determinant of biological age, and it could be a factor as early as young adulthood. Researchers gathered data on food and beverage intake by twins ages 21-25 years and then estimated biological age using several well-established biological "clocks." Among six dietary patterns (high fast food, low fruits and vegetables; plant-based; health-conscious; Western with infrequent fish; Western with regular fish; and balanced average), biological aging was slower in individuals following the plant-based, health-conscious, and balanced-average dietary patterns compared to the other dietary patterns.
The research team's conclusion says it all: "Diets high in fast food, processed red meat, and sugar-sweetened beverages and low in fruits and vegetables are associated with accelerated biological aging in young adulthood" – meaning the opposite is true: Healthier, balanced diets slow biological aging! Talk to your doctor for additional information.
