As humans, we all aspire to live a long and healthy life. Many people follow various diets and lifestyles that they believe can increase their lifespan.

Recently, a study has shown that restricting calorie intake may be one of the ways to achieve this goal.

The Study

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It involved two groups of rhesus monkeys, one on a calorie-restricted diet and the other eating a regular diet.

The calorie-restricted group ate 30% less calories than the other group, but still received all the necessary nutrients. The monkeys were followed for 25 years, which is roughly equivalent to 75 human years.

The Results

The results of the study were quite surprising. The calorie-restricted group showed a significant increase in their lifespan compared to the other group.

The median lifespan of the calorie-restricted group was 29.6 years, while the other group had a median lifespan of 26.5 years.

Moreover, the calorie-restricted group showed a lower incidence of age-related diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. They also had lower levels of inflammation and oxidative stress, which are known to contribute to aging.

How Caloric Restriction Works

The mechanism by which caloric restriction increases lifespan is not fully understood. However, there are some theories that can explain it.

One of the main theories is that caloric restriction activates certain genes that optimize cellular function and minimize damage.

Another theory is that it reduces insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling, which are known to promote aging and age-related diseases.

When there are fewer calories available, the body switches to a mode where it conserves energy and focuses on repairing cellular damage.

Applying Caloric Restriction in Humans

Although the study was done in monkeys, there have been some human studies that have shown similar results.

For instance, a study published in 2018 showed that moderate caloric restriction can improve several biomarkers related to aging, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and fasting glucose.

However, caloric restriction is not a simple thing to follow in humans. It requires strict adherence to a low-calorie diet for a prolonged period, which can be challenging for many people.

Moreover, it requires careful monitoring of nutrient intake to avoid malnutrition.

Therefore, other methods are being investigated to mimic the benefits of caloric restriction without the need for extreme dieting.

One such method is intermittent fasting, which involves periods of very low calorie intake followed by periods of regular eating. Another method is the use of caloric restriction mimetics, which are drugs that activate the same genes and pathways as caloric restriction.

Conclusion

The study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests that caloric restriction may be an effective way to increase lifespan and reduce the incidence of age-related diseases.

However, more research is needed to fully understand how it works and to find alternative methods that are more feasible for humans.

If you are interested in trying caloric restriction or any other methods to improve your health, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider first to ensure that it is safe for you and that you are getting all the necessary nutrients.