Calorie Restriction Increases Longevity

Humans

Of course, there are problems when we apply this finding to humans. We’re not fruit flies or lab rats, and we can’t starve ? of the population their whole lives and wait and see what happens. However, a number of studies that indirectly measure the effect of caloric restriction suggest the results are the same for humans as they are for the rest of the animal kingdom.

For one, our closest relative in the animal kingdom have shown remarkable benefits when given a calorically restricted diet. A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that rhesus monkeys that were fed 30% less calories than a control group aged more slowly, had lower blood pressure, increased insulin sensitivity, and less warning signs of cardiovascular disease and cancer. This type of finding is particularly remarkable because rhesus monkeys that are malnourished develop “lifestyle diseases” in a manner that’s very similar to humans.

Okinawans

Perhaps the strongest case for the benefits of caloric restriction in humans is the study of the most prolific group of centenarians on the planet: the Okinawans. Okinawa is a region in the south of Japan that became famous when researchers discovered they had a much higher portion of people living beyond 100 than other parts of the world. A flurry of research about their lifestyle quickly followed.

One fact that soon became apparent is the Okinawans had a diet that was quite distinct from the rest of the world. Their typical meals consisted of lots of fruits and vegetables, water-based soups, and had little meats or calories. Compared to the rest of the world they had a diet that was both calorically restricted and nutrient dense. In fact, it was found that the typical Okinawan consumed 40% fewer calories than the typical American.

Furthermore, clinical studies have shown that caloric restriction causes physiological changes that are dramatic and rapid in people who adopt the habit in the middle of life. A paper published in the New York Academy of Sciences found that people who reduced their caloric intake by 20% had reduced blood pressure and cholesterol, lower blood sugar, and increased insulin sensitivity after 2-6 years. Even after six months, subjects displayed favorable biomarkers. Caloric restriction might be the reason women live longer than men. On average they consume 25% fewer calories and live 5 years longer.

Warnings

Of course, this sort of news should not come without its caveats. The most important detail to take note of is that caloric restriction has only been shown to be effective when nutrients are not sacrificed as well. So only snacking on sweets and fast foods will not have the desired effect. Neither will anorexia or bulimia.

In fact, several studies have suggested that it’s the nutrient density of reduced calorie diets and not the calories themselves that have the life-extending effects. Furthermore, extreme dieting has shown to have the opposite effect of a calorie restricted diet. After going on a radical diet people have a tendency to binge eat and lose any gains they have мейд after extreme fasting.