According to a study done over a span of 20 years, reducing your calorie intake may slow down the aging process. The study was done using monkeys belonging to a species with many biological and physiological similarities to humans. The monkeys were divided into two groups - those fed a reduced-calorie diet and those that were allowed to eat as much as they wanted. For the calorie-restricted group of monkeys, researchers took a look at how much they were eating and then cut those calories by 10% each month for 3 months. The total calorie reduction was sustained at 30% during the 20 years. Both groups ate a healthful diet.

Rhesus Monkey | Photo by mbostock - Flickr

As they aged, the monkeys eating a reduced-calorie diet retained volume in areas of the brain linked to motor control, memory, and problem-solving. Typically, the lifespan of this species of monkey is 27 years while in captivity. However, the oldest monkey of the calorie-restricted group has lived to the age of 29 and is still thriving. These monkeys are also showing no signs of age related diseases or brain atrophy.

Even though the findings in this study seem to suggest life-extending benefits from cutting calories, a number of health-care professionals feel this practice may lead to serious problems. Keri Gans, R.D., a nutritionist and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, voices her concerns:

“If you go too far, it can lead to a lot of problems such as dizziness and fatigue in the short term. In the long term, there can be nutritional deficiencies, decreases in bone mineral density that can lead to osteoporosis, and menstrual irregularities that can lead to infertility. Once you start to restrict calories, there is no guarantee of adequate nutrition unless you are following a plan monitored by a registered dietitian.”

Read Full Article…