Women who eat healthier and reduce sugar intake tend to age more slowly



A study published in JAMA Network Open examined how diet—specifically added sugar intake and overall dietary quality—relates to biological aging in women. Using data from 342 midlife women (ages 36–43) participating in a long-term health study, researchers analyzed food intake and DNA methylation patterns to estimate epigenetic age, a measure of how quickly the body is aging at the cellular level.

Healthier Eating Linked to Slower Aging

Women who followed healthier dietary patterns had lower epigenetic age compared to their chronological age, meaning their cells appeared to age more slowly. The strongest link was seen with the Alternate Mediterranean Diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and healthy fats. Other dietary indices showed similar—but slightly weaker—trends in the expected direction.

Added Sugar Intake Linked to Slightly Faster Aging

Participants who consumed more added sugar tended to have slightly accelerated epigenetic aging. Although this association was weak, it supports existing evidence that high sugar intake may contribute to age-related cellular changes.

Why Epigenetic Age Matters

Epigenetic age is calculated from DNA methylation patterns—chemical changes that accumulate on DNA over time. These patterns act like biological “timestamps,” offering more precise insight into cellular aging than chronological age alone.

Conclusion

The study found that healthier diets are associated with slower biological aging, while higher added-sugar intake is linked to faster aging, though modestly. While the research cannot prove causation, it suggests that improving diet quality—especially reducing added sugar and following Mediterranean-style eating—may support healthier aging and help reduce long-term disease risks.


Read full Article on https://www.nutritional-psychology.org/women-who-eat-healthier-and-reduce-sugar-intake-age-more-slowly/

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