A recent study published in the journal Nutrients revealed that the ketogenic diet, known for its low calories, may slow down epigenetic aging by over six years. The research suggests that the ketogenic diet could help slow the biological aging process at the molecular level.
Obesity affects over 40% of American adults, and one of the most significant concerns linked to obesity is its impact on various bodily systems. The rise in obesity-related health issues underscores the importance of understanding how diet can influence aging and overall health.
Epigenetic aging refers to the body’s molecular changes that influence how quickly it ages. Interestingly, a person’s biological age – determined by these molecular changes – can differ from their chronological age. When a person’s biological age surpasses their actual age, it can increase the risk of chronic diseases and potentially shorten their lifespan.
Originally developed as a treatment for epilepsy, the ketogenic diet has recently gained widespread popularity for weight loss. The diet’s primary focus is reducing carbohydrate intake, which helps the body burn fat more efficiently. This approach has shown promise for weight loss and potentially slowing aging.
To explore the impact of the ketogenic diet on aging, the researchers conducted a cohort study comparing two groups: those with a normal weight and those who were obese. The findings revealed that individuals in the obese group had a higher biological age than those with normal weight. Specifically, the obese group showed an accelerated epigenetic age of 4.4 years, while the normal-weight group showed a decelerated epigenetic age of 3.1 years.
The researchers pointed out that long-term cohort studies have shown that dietary choices like the ketogenic diet could reverse the aging process.
The researchers analyzed blood samples taken from participants on the 30th day of the ketogenic diet and found that those who adhered to the diet experienced a slowdown in aging by 6.1 years. Even after 180 days, this effect continued, with the participants still showing a 6.2-year reduction in biological age.
In conclusion, the study suggests that the ketogenic diet could delay epigenetic aging by nearly six years, offering promising implications for those looking to manage the effects of aging.
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