The key to longer life may be found in Eating Less.
Science Magazine this week released the results of a study done at the University of Wisconsin involving Rhesus monkeys.
Half the monkeys were allowed to eat as much as they wanted every day and the other half were given a diet of 1/3 the number of calories.
Researchers find that monkeys who eat 1/3 less food than regular monkeys age more slowly. The calorie restricted monkeys were given vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure none suffered from deficiencies. Sixty-three percent of the calorie-restricted animals are still alive compared to only 45% of their free-feeding counterparts. Researchers also found that leaner diets also reduced muscle loss and brain gray matter (think 'thinking') deterioration, two conditions associated with aging.
I mentioned the ones given fewer calories were given supplements as well and this is also key. This translates to us as humans getting, say 1,800 calories a day from whole grains, fruits and vegetables as opposed to 1,800 calories a day from a Whopper and fries!
Stay tuned for more on this coming soon......
To find out more about the study:
http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2009/709/1
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-sci-caloric-restriction10-2009jul10,0,2287067.story
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/10/science/10aging.html
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