Diet Or Pills, What's Better When It Comes To Anti-Ageing? Study Finds Out

There has been much interest in ways to prevent or reverse ageing. Creams, lotions, and cosmetic products are aplenty in the market. Many opt for pills and cosmetic procedures. There also has been much curiosity over whether certain foods are anti-ageing in nature. But, what works? A group of researchers in Australia have found some answers to this question. When it comes to anti-ageing, diet works better than food, a pre-clinical study conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre has found out. Food also proved to be better when it came to metabolic rate. 

How The Study Was Done

The study was designed to know how three anti-ageing drugs affect the liver. Why liver? That’s because when it comes to the regulation of metabolism, it’s a key organ. 

• The study was done on mice as humans share the same nutrient-signalling pathways as mice.
• For the study, the researchers devised 40 treatments, each with varying levels of the three macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) as well as calorie intake and drugs.

The findings were published in the journal ‘Cell Metabolism’. 

 What Did The Study Found Out?

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The study found out that diet had a greater impact on ageing and metabolic rate as compared to three commonly used drugs for anti-ageing and diabetes. 

• Both calorie intake and the balance of the three macronutrients had a strong impact on the liver.
• Also, the diet was found to be more effective than drugs in preventing serious health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases.
• Calorie and protein intake were found to be particularly effective when it came to metabolic pathways, which are the fundamental processes controlling how our cells function.
• The amount of protein intake affected mitochondria, which are the parts of the cells responsible to produce energy. The amount of protein intake and dietary energy intake further influence if the cells function properly and the ability to make new cells, both of which are linked to anti-ageing.
• On the other hand, drugs were found to dampen the metabolic response of cells to diet.
• The researchers looked further into the interactions between the biochemical effects of diet and drugs.
• One particular anti-ageing drug had a greater effect on changes in the cells caused by dietary carbs and fats. A drug for cancer and another for diabetes were found to block the effect of dietary protein on mitochondria.

 What Did The Researchers Say?

This is what the researchers of the study had to say:

• "We all know what we eat influences our health,” said lead author Professor David Le Couteur. However, this study shows how what we eat influences different functions operating in our cells, he said, adding that the study shows how diet affects ageing and overall health.
• He further highlighted the need to study several different diets at the same time, rather than comparing just a few of them.
• Senior author Professor Stephen Simpson said that the study shows that people should focus on diet rather than drugs to improve their metabolic health.

Foods For Anti-Ageing

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Some foods are believed to help with anti-ageing. If you are looking for the same, here are some of the options you can try:

• Papaya: This is one superfruit you can include in your diet to slow down ageing. Papaya is packed with antioxidants that prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals. It’s also rich in calcium, as well as vital vitamins and minerals.
• Spinach: This leafy green is a highly recommended vegetable. Again, it’s rich in antioxidants, thus preventing cellular damage. It also contains vitamin C, which is good for the skin, as well as vitamin A, which is great for hair. It also contains iron and calcium, which you must include in your diet for good health. Looking for ways to include spinach in your diet? Try a delicious spinach soup or the classic palak paneer (spinach - cottage cheese curry).
• Pomegranate: It can be called the spinach of fruits, widely recommended for its health-benefitting properties. Pomegranate seeds are rich in antioxidants and also contain vital vitamins and minerals. 
• Nuts: Other than for bettering your brain functions, there is another reason to include nuts in your diet. Almonds, mostly recommended for improving memory, are believed to work against ageing too. And so do almonds. You can just replace your regular snacks with these, or throw some crushed almonds and walnuts in your salad.

These are some common foods you can include in your diet for anti-ageing. Other than these, drink lots of water. Although research into the skincare benefits of water has shown no conclusive results, it’s good for bodily functions. Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water is generally recommended.

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