Eat Less, Live Longer March 12, 2008
A number of reports over the years have reported astounding results with mice and other ‘testable’ animals where restricting calorific intake below average has led to apparent life extending results. Now scientists have followed the aging signs for a group of people who restricted their diet, and the results indicate that the eating less does slow down the aging process in us as well as mice. Good news indeed.
In the study scientists examined people who had cut down their calorific intake almost 50% from the usual 2,500 to 3,550 calories a day. With a control group eating usual calorific amounts and a balanced diet, the scientists compared aging signs against a group who ate between 1,000 and 2,000 calories on the same balanced diet. To quote:
“The dietitian-approved meal plan is carefully balanced: The calorie restriction group consumed about 26 percent of their calories from protein, 28 percent from fat, and 46 percent from complex carbohydrates. The fare was enlivened by a nutrient-dense array of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.”
The study lasted over three years, and by the end of this time the calorie restricted group were scoring hugely better in terms of traditional aging indicators such as cholesterol and tri-glycerides, as well as blood pressure. Many of them had also lost weight and were feeling greatly improved energy levels. Positive news indeed.
As well as an increasing trend in restrictive calorie, well balanced diets there has also been an increase in ‘intermittent fasting’, where people eat normally one day, then eat nothing the next day. Similar studies into people on this method have also indicated slow downs in aging. Of course all of this is subject to intense scientific debate, as the causes of this slow down and potential side effects are examined. Two theories are being considered right now; firstly that calories restriction reduces how much energy reaches cells from glucose - reducing the number of free radicals that form and then destroy the cells, the competing theory is that the body starts to reduce aging and reproductive processes when it enters a period of calorie scarcity - or starvation as it’s more commonly known.
Given the length of the human lifespan it will be a while before the full pros and cons of such an approach to longevity are known for sure. Perhaps this will explain better why many of our parents and grand-parents from war time Europe have lived such long lives, with strict rationing in place during their youth, or perhaps that is just the result of better global health care. Either way I look forward to being in the future and finding out.
