Biological age reflects the body’s actual condition rather than simply the number of years lived, according to News-Medical.
It is measured using various biomarkers in the body, which can indicate the risk of disease and life expectancy.
In a large Italian study involving more than 22,000 participants, published in the International Journal of Public Health, both dietary habits and biological age were analyzed.
According to the study, advanced technology was used to calculate the participants’ biological age.
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The researchers also accounted for factors such as physical activity, smoking, and weight to ensure more accurate results.
Lifestyle matters
The study found that individuals with healthier habits often had a lower biological age.
This included those who followed the Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables and healthy fats.
When examining overall alcohol consumption, no clear positive effect was observed. However, higher levels of alcohol intake were associated with faster aging, according to the study.
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There were also differences between men and women, but these were not pronounced enough to draw firm conclusions.
A specific pattern
Only upon closer analysis did a particular association emerge. It did not concern alcohol in general, but rather a specific type of consumption.
Men who drank moderate amounts of wine as part of the Mediterranean diet had a slightly lower biological age than their actual age.
The effect was greatest at around one to two glasses per day.
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However, the researchers emphasize that this is not a direct causal relationship. The effect may be due to other compounds in wine rather than the alcohol itself.
Sources: News-Medical and International Journal of Public Health.
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