More scientific research has been announced that adds to the suggestion that eating a healthy, restricted calorie diet can extend your life. The new evidence, based on studies of monkeys, suggests that reducing the calorific intake by 30% has a marked effect on age-related illnesses.

Effects of eating less on monkeys

The picture above shows the difference in two monkeys after 20 years - with the monkey on the right having had a restricted diet. What is significant about this study is that it is the first study of its kind in primates, and hence in an animal that is closely akin to human physiology. Combined with anecdotal evidence of reduced calories leading to improved cardiovascular health this is a large step towards showing that a lower calorie intake is critical to a longer, healthier life. Of course maintaining a healthy, nutritious diet while restricting calories should only be undertaken with expert advice!

Previously on Long Life Blog…