Scientists find out how to slow down aging at the cellular level 13:59

Scientists from the University of California have found a link between a diet rich in vitamins and minerals and low in sugar and a slower rate of biological aging. Research results published In JAMA Network Open.

As part of the scientific study, researchers analyzed the dietary data of 342 black and white women. Scientists paid close attention to the intake of added sugars. These are sugars and syrups added to foods during processing or processing. This category does not include fructose and lactose – fruit and milk sugars.

Participants consumed an average of 61.5 grams of added sugar per day, but the daily range was wide in the overall sample, from 2.7 to 316 grams. A milk chocolate bar contains about 25 grams of added sugar, while a small can of soda contains about 39 grams of added sugar, the researchers noted.

In a second step, the scientists assessed the women’s diets using a template they developed called the Epigenetic Nutrient Index (ENI), which is based on the consumption of nutrients (not specific foods) that have antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties and can also support normal DNA methylation cycling.

Disruption of the normal methylation cycle increases the risk of developing many diseases. Based on this indicator, the rate of biological aging, that is, the degree of “wear and tear” of the body, can be assessed.

The results showed that adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduction in the rate of aging at the cellular level. This type of diet is characterized by the active consumption of healthy fats, protein and plant foods. Excessive consumption of foods with added sugar accelerated biological aging, even if the diet was generally balanced.

Scientists have calculated that avoiding ten grams of added sugar a day can “set” the biological clock back by 2.4 months, provided the recommendation is followed regularly.

Previously was named amount of chips and crackers that are safe for health.