What is the story about?
If you eat dark fruit and drink one cup of coffee a day, it can slow the body's ageing process, according to a study.
People who regularly eat and drink food rich in polyphenols, including berries, apples, coffee, cocoa, and tea, are likely to have more "youthful" cells.
The compounds are considered to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, according to new research, they may also protect cells' telomeres, protective caps made of repetitive DNA sequences and protein.
We take a look.
Researchers at the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain, have measured telomere length in samples from over 1,700 adults. Researchers also assessed their polyphenol consumption.
Individuals with the highest amounts of polyphenols in their diet had a 52 per cent lower risk of short telomeres compared to those with the least, the findings presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul revealed.
Individuals who had the most fruit - around four or five pieces a day- had a 29 per cent lower likelihood of developing short telomeres compared with those who ate the least.
Shorter telomeres have been associated with an increased risk of several age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and a higher overall risk of death.
Isabella Kury Guzmán, lead author of the study, asserted, "Our findings point to a broader message: a diet rich in polyphenols, including foods like fruits and coffee, may be one piece of the puzzle in supporting healthier cellular ageing," the
Daily Mail reported.
"This is not about one 'anti-ageing' food, but about the cumulative effect of everyday dietary choices over time," Guzmán added.
Ana Rodriguez-Mateos, Professor of human nutrition at King's College London, also reacted to the findings: "Polyphenols have been linked to a lower risk of age-related diseases, including heart disease and cognitive decline,” the news outlet reported.
“This study adds to growing evidence that diets rich in polyphenols may support healthier ageing,” Mateos added.
According to Gunter Kuhnle, a professor of nutrition at the University of Reading, accurately measuring polyphenol intake can be extremely challenging.
“It is not surprising that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has potential health benefits. A diet rich in plant foods is linked to longer telomeres and potentially healthier ageing...”
Kuhnle added, “However, because plant-based foods are the main source of polyphenols, it is very difficult to distinguish between whether that healthier ageing is due specifically to the polyphenols or the fact of eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables," the report noted.
Sasha Watkins, a registered dietitian and head of health at Mindful Chef, suggested that to increase polyphenol intake, one should try a handful of berries with breakfast and add a mix of herbs and spices or an extra portion of vegetables.
With inputs from agencies
People who regularly eat and drink food rich in polyphenols, including berries, apples, coffee, cocoa, and tea, are likely to have more "youthful" cells.
The compounds are considered to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, according to new research, they may also protect cells' telomeres, protective caps made of repetitive DNA sequences and protein.
We take a look.
What study revealed
Researchers at the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain, have measured telomere length in samples from over 1,700 adults. Researchers also assessed their polyphenol consumption.
Individuals with the highest amounts of polyphenols in their diet had a 52 per cent lower risk of short telomeres compared to those with the least, the findings presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul revealed.
Individuals who had the most fruit - around four or five pieces a day- had a 29 per cent lower likelihood of developing short telomeres compared with those who ate the least.
Shorter telomeres have been associated with an increased risk of several age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and a higher overall risk of death.
What the study's lead author & experts said
Isabella Kury Guzmán, lead author of the study, asserted, "Our findings point to a broader message: a diet rich in polyphenols, including foods like fruits and coffee, may be one piece of the puzzle in supporting healthier cellular ageing," the
"This is not about one 'anti-ageing' food, but about the cumulative effect of everyday dietary choices over time," Guzmán added.
Ana Rodriguez-Mateos, Professor of human nutrition at King's College London, also reacted to the findings: "Polyphenols have been linked to a lower risk of age-related diseases, including heart disease and cognitive decline,” the news outlet reported.
Individuals with the highest polyphenol intake had a 52 per cent lower risk of short telomeres. Image courtesy: X
“This study adds to growing evidence that diets rich in polyphenols may support healthier ageing,” Mateos added.
According to Gunter Kuhnle, a professor of nutrition at the University of Reading, accurately measuring polyphenol intake can be extremely challenging.
“It is not surprising that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has potential health benefits. A diet rich in plant foods is linked to longer telomeres and potentially healthier ageing...”
Kuhnle added, “However, because plant-based foods are the main source of polyphenols, it is very difficult to distinguish between whether that healthier ageing is due specifically to the polyphenols or the fact of eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables," the report noted.
Sasha Watkins, a registered dietitian and head of health at Mindful Chef, suggested that to increase polyphenol intake, one should try a handful of berries with breakfast and add a mix of herbs and spices or an extra portion of vegetables.
With inputs from agencies
