A Plant-Heavy Diet Could Reduce Skin-Aging Compounds, Says Study
A groundbreaking new study published in the British Journal of Cancer reveals that a long-term low-fat, plant-rich diet can substantially reduce levels of harmful dietary advanced glycation end-products (dAGEs) — compounds closely linked to accelerated skin aging, chronic inflammation, and even cancer risk.
Researchers analyzing data from the landmark Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Dietary Modification trial, involving over 40,000 postmenopausal women, found that those who followed a low-fat eating plan emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and grains consumed significantly fewer dAGEs over a seven-year period compared to women who maintained their usual diets.
Advanced glycation end-products are reactive compounds formed when sugars interact with proteins or fats — both inside the body and through the foods we eat. They are especially prevalent in processed meats, fried foods, baked goods, and anything cooked at high temperatures. Scientists have long associated high dAGE intake with chronic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, obesity, and several cancers, including breast cancer. From a beauty perspective, AGEs are known to degrade collagen and elastin — the proteins responsible for youthful, firm skin.
While the researchers caution that this was a secondary analysis based on self-reported dietary data, the findings powerfully reinforce the idea that what you eat shows up on your skin. Adopting a plant-forward, low-fat diet may be one of the most effective — and most affordable — anti-aging strategies available.
Source: News-Medical.net – Low-fat diet lowers dietary glycation compounds for years in postmenopausal women