Restricted Calorie Diet And Longevity

If you want to live longer, healthier and be youthful even in your old age, then pay attention to your calories. Research has proven that restricted calorie diet and longevity are connected where animals are concerned, and if people adopt a similar diet wherein the intake of calories is restricted, it could have similar affects. (See Reference 1)

It was way back in the year 1935 when a researcher from Cornell named Clive McCay accidentally found that rats who were kept on calorie restricted diet end up living thirty percent longer compared to rats who were fed normal diet. (See Reference 1) Ever since, researchers have been testing the effect of calorie restricted diet on longevity on lab animals like primates, dogs, spiders, guppies, flies, worms and mice.

According to researchers, calorie restricted diet helps to reduce the production of free radicals in the body. It also helps to increase the resistance of cells towards stress. They believe that these 2 effects have an effect in enhancing longevity, as free radicals and stress can have a negative effect on a person's lifespan by causing a number of diseases, like heart diseases and cancer. (See Reference 1) Consuming a restricted calorie diet helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood and also improves the levels of glucose in the blood.

There is sufficient evidence to show that restricted calorie diet helps rats, mice as well as animals from other species live a longer and healthier life. Hence, researchers assume that this will also be the same for humans, especially since rats and mice have a physiology that is similar to human beings. Both can get different types of cancers and diabetes which can result in death. (See Reference 1)

As per the Calorie Restriction Society, a person should take care about the calories he or she is consuming. However, the person should ensure that adequate amounts of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are consumed. In the US, an average man consumes around 2,745 calories per day, while an average woman consumes 1,833 calories. The Society claims that a person should be looking to reduce the average consumption of calories by over one-third, but it should be done slowly and gradually. (See Reference 1)

When a person is looking at calorie restriction diet and longevity, he or she pay close attention to what they eat, or else it will have serious effect on the health. A person will end up with a weakened immune system, have poor concentration and focus and also suffer from poor bone health if due attention is not given to the nutrients that are consumed. A person should be looking to consume vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, and legumes when going on a calorie restricted diet. In addition, this restriction should be coupled with regular exercise and physical activity.

More Articles :

• Effects Of Exercise On Longevity
• Healthy Eating And Longevity
• Longevity Gene
• Restricted Calorie Diet And Longevity

1. MedicineNet: Restrict Calories, Revive Your Life
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=52404