Can calorie restriction slow down aging in humans?

Research on monkeys suggests long-term calorie restriction may slow brain aging, indicating potential benefits for humans, though more studies are needed.

What did the Boston University monkey study find about diet?

The Boston University study found calorie-restricted monkey brains were more metabolically healthy and functional than those on normal diets.

Are there long-lived populations that practice calorie restriction?

Yes, residents of Okinawa, Japan, known as a 'Blue Zone', reportedly practice an '80% trick' of eating until 80% full, contributing to their longevity.

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Cut Calories, Age Brains Slower

29 Nov

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Summary

Long-term calorie restriction may slow brain aging.
Monkey brains showed healthier cells with fewer calories.
Dietary changes could impact brain health and cognition.

New research indicates that adhering to a consistent dietary practice for over two decades may help decelerate brain aging. Scientists propose that such long-term eating patterns can mitigate several expected metabolic alterations, some of which are associated with Alzheimer's disease. A study involving monkeys revealed that those on a calorie-restricted diet exhibited more metabolically healthy and functional brain cells compared to their counterparts on a standard diet.

While the study was conducted on animals, experts note the significant similarities between monkey and human brains, particularly in their fundamental structure and connectivity. This suggests that long-term dietary interventions could influence brain aging at a cellular level. The findings offer rare, long-term evidence supporting the protective effects of calorie restriction against brain aging in complex species.

This research aligns with insights from regions like Okinawa, Japan, known for the '80% trick' where residents eat until 80% full, contributing to longevity. Experts suggest that slowing metabolism through reduced caloric intake can decrease oxidation, a process linked to many chronic diseases. Prioritizing plant-based, whole foods over processed items is also recommended to support overall brain health.