New Study Suggests Dietary Changes Can Improve Aging Health
According to a recent study published in the journal PLOS Biology, dietary changes without caloric restriction may help maintain youth in yeast cells and promote healthy aging in humans. The researchers from the Epigenetics Programme at Babraham Institute in Cambridge, United Kingdom, found that an unrestricted galactose diet in budding yeast minimized cell changes during aging, regardless of diet later in life.
Galactose, a simple sugar that is transformed into glucose in the liver, is abundant in human diets, with dairy products being the primary sources. However, other foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, fresh meat, and eggs also contain small amounts of galactose. The researchers discovered that changing the overall type of nutritional intake led to a healthier aging trajectory in yeast cells compared to intermittent dieting.
Caroline Thomason, an RD and CDCES, states that focusing on higher-quality nutrition can lead to improved health and weight. While eating more fruits and vegetables indirectly reduces calorie intake and promotes weight loss, it also improves health markers. However, Thomason notes that it is challenging to make conclusive claims in humans based on yeast study results.
Budding yeast, or saccharomyces cerevisiae, is commonly used in chemical and genetic screening platforms due to its relevance to aging and disease pathways in humans. In fact, in a previous study, yeast was used to test anti-aging substances and led to the discovery of spermidine as a potential anti-aging agent.
The current study suggests that changing dietary habits instead of restricting calories is a healthier approach to promote longevity. Short-term diets are ineffective, and long-term healthy habits, including diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management, are crucial for good health.
The researchers emphasize that the study’s findings apply to yeast and not humans. Substituting galactose as the primary caloric input is neither achievable nor valuable in humans. However, the results suggest that dietary changes without restriction can provide similar aging health benefits observed under caloric restriction.
Anne Danahy, a registered dietitian, advises that a calorie deficit alone, without attention to quality nutrition, can make it difficult to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Focusing on foods higher in quality, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole foods, can help increase satiety and allow for a larger volume of food with fewer total calories.
It is never too late to make small changes in diet and improve health. Even later in life, adopting healthier eating habits can normalize blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and reverse conditions like diabetes. Danahy encourages individuals to prioritize their diet and reap the benefits of improved health and longevity.
While the study’s findings are promising, further research is needed to better understand the impact of dietary changes on human aging. Nevertheless, the study sheds light on the importance of quality nutrition in promoting healthy aging.