Longer Life Through Calorie Restriction?

There has been a theory that a restricted calorie but nutritionally rich diet can extend your life. Now there’s a little more evidence that this may actually be true. A study reported in The Herald Bulletin finds that monkeys who endured a 30% reduction in calories over a long period of time became less wrinkled, had better coats, did not develop diabetes, and stayed just generally healthier.

There’s some weaker evidence that this may hold true for humans, too. The speculation is that the restricted calorie diet may reduce the inflammatory agents produced by fat cells, thereby improving general health over time. Another theory is that fewer free radicals are produced, thereby reducing genetic damage that may lead to chronic disease.

The research is far from conclusive, and there may be side effects to a very restricted diet. There is some indication that the important quality is the calorie deficit, not just the sheer number of calories, so strenuous exercise might help to achieve the same ends. We will follow this issue over time.

Add comment May 15th, 2006