At the age of 50, Professor Steve Horvath changed his diet and exercise regimen, thereby reversing 4 years of aging, becoming younger and healthier.
Genetics professor Steve Horvath, University of California (UCLA), was one of the first to figure out how to calculate biological age.
Accordingly, biological age is the rate at which you physically age, while chronological age is the number of years you have lived. Your actual age is always increasing, but your biological age can be reduced through certain medical measures or healthy habits. For example, some people have a chronological age of 50, but are biologically 45.
To determine biological age, people buy test kits that cost hundreds of dollars and test samples of saliva, blood cells, blood or urine. These markers change over time, responding to environmental and biological influences, lifestyle or genetics. Essentially, it can measure the extent and speed of human aging.
Using the devices, Horvath was shocked to learn that his biological age was about five years older than his actual age. He took this as a sign to take better care of his body.
Steve Horvath (right) changed his diet and medication and lost four years of his biological age. Photo: EurekAlert
The four changes Horvath made to reduce his biological age included:
Eat less bread and pasta and more vegetables
Horvath's meals now consist mainly of microwaved vegetables.
According to him, vegetables such as green leafy vegetables, bean sprouts, beets and asparagus are nutrient-rich foods that can naturally reduce inflammation, preventing a range of age-related diseases, including cancer and diabetes.
Increase the dose of cholesterol medication
Horvath had previously been on a low dose of a statin — which helps lower blood fats — but he switched to a stronger one.
Studies have consistently shown that statins can have beneficial effects on healthy aging in people at risk of heart problems. They reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack, and remove bad cholesterol from the blood.
“Statins have two effects: they lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and they reduce inflammation,” says Northwestern University cardiologist Neil Stone, MD. But not everyone should add statins to their water.
Take at least 5 different supplements
He takes vitamin D, a favorite of many longevity scientists and investors, because it improves the way the body absorbs calcium.
Horvath also takes zinc, which doctors say is good for preventing, shortening the duration and reducing the severity of the common cold.
In addition, he regularly uses fish oil, garlic and cruciferous vegetable supplements.
Take a brisk 20-minute walk uphill after every dinner.
Brisk walking is a great exercise for longevity. Walking uphill may be even better than walking around on flat ground.
People living in the world's oldest Blue Zones, like Sardinia, Italy, often walk into the hills to herd sheep or hike with their families.
After about nine months of doing it, Horvath had shaved four years off his biological age — almost his real age.
"However, it should be noted that this information has not been researched or verified at all, as this is just my personal result," he said, adding that the biological tests were for reference only.
According to Horvath, people who want to improve their health and live longer should focus on simple habits that are backed by prior scientific evidence to slow the aging process. You don’t need to have your biological age tested to start implementing many of these healthy principles.
Khanh Linh (According to Business Insider )
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