Calories intake reduction could slow cellular aging and protect against age-related diseases, according to a recent American study published in the journal Cell Metabolism.
The study led by researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, shows that consuming fewer calories can decrease what is called systemic oxidative stress, associated with age-related neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, or the development of cancer, diabetes, or other chronic diseases.
The participants in this study lost weight and enjoyed a mood improvement
The new work, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, followed 53 healthy, non-obese individuals, between 21 and 50 years old.
Participants in the study, whose caloric intake was restricted and measured using so-called “isotope” techniques, to identify the smallest molecules ingested, lost about 9 kg, on average, without setting any weight loss goal.
An improvement in mood and quality of life in participants was found with no side effects such as “anemia, bone loss, or menstrual disorders,” according to the study.
Slower metabolism means a slower the aging process
“We found that even people who were already healthy and thin could benefit from a calorie-restricted diet,” says Dr. Redman, the author of the study. “We know from previous studies on animals that the smaller the mammal, the faster its metabolism and its reduced longevity,” says the specialist.
In other words, a slower metabolism would be more effective at delaying aging and increasing longevity even if other biological, dietary factors or the role of antioxidants influence the metabolism, according to the authors of the study.
To go further in the study, the researchers suggest also taking into account the consumption of foods rich in antioxidants (fruits, vegetables) or substances such as resveratrol, a polyphenol present in red wine, grapes, or blackberries, which mimics calorie restriction.
The scientists concluded that even a 15% calories intake reduction could slow cellular aging and protect against age-related diseases.