Slow-aging diet: How young people in S. Korea eat to stay "young"

Aging is a natural process that cannot be defied but some believe it can be delayed by eating light and right as a growing number of young Koreans are choosing to do.

Our Park Kun-woo files this report.

At around midday, people rush to grab their lunch from their favorite spots.

What's catching a lot of attention is how many young people are opting for healthier choices.

One of their go-to picks?

Fresh salads packed with a variety of vegetables and nuts.

"I used to eat a lot of high-calorie junk food which made digestion difficult and affected my studies. Since cutting back, I feel less bloated in the mornings and don't get as tired after meals."

Healthy eating is no longer just a concern for older generations.

"I think that your health starts on the inside and it doesn't matter if your skin looks good. It should be a little bit more active starting younger and also focus on what you're eating."

The "slow-aging" trend, which focuses on eating certain foods to slow down physical aging, became a boom in South Korea after it went viral on social media last year.

And more and more people from the younger generation are joining in.

"Many young people began seeing others on social media embrace a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle that slows down aging, which seemed beneficial and inspiring enough to follow."

As the trend grows, young people are even taking charge of their health by preparing "slow-aging diet" meals themselves.

These meals they prepare involve cutting out simple sugars, refined grains, and unhealthy fats, while focusing on slow-digesting carbs like whole grains and veggies that can also prevent blood sugar spikes.

"So today I tried making a meal, packed with vegetables and fruits like carrots and apples, as part of a slow-aging diet. As it tasted so good, I've also decided to eat like this more often and track my meals as part of a healthy routine."

Many are even sharing their slow-aging meals and recipes online, inspiring others to follow suit.

However, an expert warns against extreme eating habits.

"Health is maintained through a balanced diet. While slow-aging meals are beneficial, they can also become too one-sided. And you need to maintain a balanced diet in long term, not just for a year or two before going off track."

She added that occasional cheat days can be necessary for satisfaction and that she expects the slow-aging trend will evolve through a balanced approach, where combining the slow-aging diet with cheat days creates a harmonious lifestyle.

Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.