Aging is the primary risk factor for developing non-communicable chronic diseases, necessitating interventions targeting the aging process. Outcome measures of biological aging used in these interventions are mathematical algorithms applied to DNA methylation patterns, known as epigenetic clocks. In new research, scientists aimed to identify dietary components — such as green tea, oolong tea, turmeric, rosemary, garlic, berries — associated with epigenetic age change.
Villanueva et al. suggest that targeted food choices may help slow the aging process. Image credit: Sci.News.
“Epigenetic age refers to how old a person’s cells appear biologically, rather than their actual age in years,” said Dr. Jamie L. Villanueva, a researcher at the University of Washington and the National University of Natural Medicine, and colleagues.
“DNA methylation patterns, which are chemical tags on DNA, can indicate whether someone is aging faster or slower than expected.”
“For the study, we used Horvath’s epigenetic clock, a widely accepted tool, to measure changes in epigenetic age.”
The study included healthy men aged 50 to 72 who had previously completed an eight-week program featuring a plant-based, nutrient-rich diet, along with guidance on exercise, sleep, and stress management.
Th researchers focused on individual dietary differences to understand why some participants experienced greater improvements in epigenetic age than others.
They found that those who ate higher amounts of methyl adaptogen foods — including turmeric, rosemary, garlic, berries, green tea, and oolong tea — experienced greater reductions in epigenetic age.
These benefits remained significant even after accounting for weight changes and participants’ starting epigenetic age, suggesting that the foods themselves had a direct impact on aging markers.
“In hierarchical linear regression, foods investigated as polyphenolic modulators of DNA methylation categorized in the original study as methyl adaptogens showed significant linear associations with epigenetic age change, after controlling for baseline epigenetic age acceleration and weight changes,” the scientists said.
The natural compounds in methyl adaptogen foods are known to influence how genes behave by affecting DNA methylation.
Previous studies have shown that these compounds may support healthy aging and help lower the risk of conditions such as heart disease and cognitive decline.
While this study involved a relatively small group of middle-aged men, it adds knowledge to growing global research showing that diets rich in polyphenols — found in vegetables, fruits, and teas — are associated with slower aging.
The findings support earlier results from studies on Mediterranean and traditional Japanese diets, both known for their health benefits.
“Future research should include larger and more diverse populations and use updated epigenetic aging tools to confirm these results,” the authors said.
“Based on current evidence, this study highlights a practical, food-based strategy that may help reduce epigenetic aging and support long-term health.”
The study was published in the journal Aging.
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Jamie L. Villanueva et al. 2025. Dietary associations with reduced epigenetic age: a secondary data analysis of the methylation diet and lifestyle study. Aging 17 (4): 994-1010; doi: 10.18632/aging.206240
