Mediterranean diet slows down the aging process

The Mediterranean diet includes:

• olive oil
• fish
• legumes
• vegetables and fruit

It has long been associated with a lower risk of:

• cardiovascular disease
• diabetes
• cognitive impairment

Scientists analysed blood samples from older people with different levels of dietary adherence.

They found that those who followed a stricter diet:

• higher levels of cell-protecting molecules
• lower levels of oxidative stress

Details

Researchers found that diet affects the functioning of mitochondria - structures within cells that are responsible for energy and aging.

In doing so:

• defence mechanisms are activated
• cell damage is reduced

The strongest association was observed with the consumption of:

• olive oil
• fish
• legumes

And also with reducing processed carbohydrates.

Why it matters

Scientists believe that nutrition affects health not just through calories and vitamins, but also through deeper processes within cells.

This could pave the way for so-called 'personalised nutrition', where a diet is tailored to a person's biological characteristics.

The results show that:

• nutrition has a direct impact on the ageing process
• the right diet can reduce the risk of disease
• changes in diet can have a long-term effect

Source

The study was conducted by scientists from the University of Southern California. The results were published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition.