A new study published in the journal, Cell Metabolism, suggests cutting back on calories in the daily diet may not only benefit the obese but also those of healthy weight, who aren’t looking to lose weight.
This graphic shows the effects of a 2-year calorie restriction or CR trial in healthy, non-obese humans. The trial provided evidence that prolonged CR enhances resting energy efficiency, resulting in decreased oxidative damage to tissues and organs. (Redman et al./Cell Metabolism)
Analyzing data from the Comprehensive Assessment of the Long-Term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy or CALERIE trials, the study authors found over a two-year period, aging and metabolism slowed in those who decreased their daily caloric intake by 15%.
They discovered that restrictions on calorie consumption also provided some protection against neurological conditions, considered to be age-related, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases as well as others like cancer and diabetes.
The study’s lead author is Leanne Redman, an associate professor of Clinical Sciences at Louisiana State University’s Pennington Biomedical Research in Baton Rouge, LA.
“Restricting calories can slow your basal metabolism, and if by-products of metabolism accelerate aging processes, calorie restriction sustained over several years may help to decrease risk for chronic disease and prolong life,” said Redman in a press release statement.
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