With advancing years serving as the foremost determinant for the onset of non-communicable chronic illnesses, interventions specifically targeting the aging continuum are imperative. The metrics employed to quantify biological aging within these therapeutic approaches are sophisticated mathematical models, frequently termed epigenetic clocks, which are derived from DNA methylation profiles. Emerging scientific inquiry has sought to pinpoint dietary constituents—such as green tea, oolong tea, turmeric, rosemary, garlic, and berries—that correlate with shifts in epigenetic age.
Villanueva et al. propose that deliberate dietary selections may contribute to decelerating the aging trajectory. Image courtesy of Sci.News.
“Epigenetic age quantifies the perceived biological age of an individual’s cells, distinct from their chronological age,” explained Dr. Jamie L. Villanueva, a researcher affiliated with the University of Washington and the National University of Natural Medicine, alongside her collaborators.
“The patterns of DNA methylation, essentially chemical modifications attached to DNA, can signal whether an individual is undergoing senescence at an accelerated or decelerated rate relative to expectations.”
“For the investigative work undertaken, we utilized horvath’s epigenetic clock, a widely recognized instrument, to ascertain alterations in epigenetic age.”
This investigation encompassed hale males aged between 50 and 72, who had previously participated in an eight-week regimen characterized by a plant-centric, nutrient-dense dietary plan, complemented by personalized counsel on physical activity, sleep hygiene, and stress mitigation strategies.
The research team concentrated on the nuances of individual dietary habits to elucidate why certain participants experienced more pronounced enhancements in their epigenetic age profiles compared to others.
It was observed that individuals who consumed greater quantities of methyl adaptogen-rich foods—including turmeric, rosemary, garlic, berries, green tea, and oolong tea—demonstrated more substantial reductions in their epigenetic age.
These beneficial effects remained statistically significant even when factors such as weight fluctuations and participants’ initial epigenetic age were statistically controlled, indicating a direct influence of these specific food items on markers of aging.
“Employing hierarchical linear regression analysis, foodstuffs examined for their potential as polyphenolic modulators of DNA methylation, categorized in the original study as methyl adaptogens, exhibited statistically significant linear relationships with changes in epigenetic age, following adjustments for baseline epigenetic age acceleration and variations in body weight,” the scientific cohort stated.
The naturally occurring compounds present in methyl adaptogen foods are understood to exert influence over gene expression by impacting the methylation status of DNA.
Prior scientific examinations have indicated that these bioactive compounds may foster healthy aging processes and contribute to a diminished risk of developing conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment.
Although this particular study involved a cohort of relatively modest size comprising middle-aged males, it materially augments the expanding body of global research that underscores a correlation between diets abundant in polyphenols—found in vegetables, fruits, and teas—and a slower pace of biological aging.
These findings lend support to earlier outcomes derived from studies focusing on the Mediterranean and traditional Japanese dietary patterns, both of which are acclaimed for their salutary health effects.
“Subsequent research endeavors ought to incorporate larger and more heterogeneous participant groups, alongside the utilization of contemporary epigenetic aging assessment tools, to validate these findings,” the document’s authors recommended.
“Arguably, based on the extant evidence, this study illuminates a pragmatic, food-centric strategy that holds promise for mitigating epigenetic aging and promoting sustained well-being.”
The investigation was formally published in the esteemed journal Aging.
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Jamie L. Villanueva et al. 2025. Dietary associations with reduced epigenetic age: a secondary data analysis of the methylation diet and lifestyle study. Aging 17 (4): 994-1010; doi: 10.18632/aging.206240
