A daily consumption of plain yogurt, combined with dietary adjustments and regular exercise, may help slow the biological aging process in men, according to a study published in the journal Aging. The research focused on 48 overweight men in Japan between the ages of 50 and 74 over a 12-week period.
Participants were divided into two groups. One group followed a structured wellness routine, while the other maintained their usual habits as a control. The intervention group was instructed to consume 100 grams of plain yogurt daily. They also received personalized dietary counseling aimed at preventing overeating, reducing snacking, and eliminating sugary drinks. Additionally, this group engaged in about 30 minutes of walking or using a stepper machine at least three days per week.
To assess the impact of these lifestyle changes, researchers collected blood samples before and after the study. They analyzed DNA for chemical modifications that serve as indicators of cellular age, using a measurement tool called DunedinPACE, which calculates an individual's biological aging rate.
Key Findings
The men who participated in the wellness regimen—consuming yogurt, modifying their diet, and exercising—demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in their biological aging rate compared to the control group. On average, their biological aging slowed by approximately 2.2%. This rate of slowing is comparable to that observed in a previous U.S. study where participants reduced their daily calorie intake by 25% over two years.
Interestingly, this reduction in aging speed occurred independently of weight loss, meaning it was not directly tied to changes in body mass index or the number of exercise sessions completed. The study also noted an improvement in a specific DNA marker associated with kidney function among the intervention group.
Combined Effects and Limitations
The study's authors concluded that the observed anti-aging benefits likely resulted from the combined effect of probiotics, dietary changes, and exercise, rather than any single component. However, they also acknowledged significant limitations, including the small sample size, the short duration of the study, and the restricted participant pool consisting only of overweight men of a single nationality. Further research is needed to determine if these short-term biological changes can lead to lasting health benefits.