Want to Live Longer? A Calorie-Restricted Diet Might Help

Research has shown that limiting caloric intake can extend one’s lifespan.

The study, published in Aging Cell, found that restricting caloric intake could slow down the shortening of telomeres that occurs with aging, potentially prolonging life.

It is widely known that diet and exercise influence health, and according to studies, they also affect the rate of aging.

Aging can be divided into two main types: primary aging, which is a natural process everyone experiences, and secondary aging, which is an accelerated aging process due to factors such as excessive food intake, lack of exercise, and diseases. Experts emphasize that controlling secondary aging can maintain health and prolong life.

Cells have a mechanism called telomeres to prevent genetic information damage as the ends of DNA shorten a bit during the replication process. Telomeres exist at the end of the DNA that does not contain genetic information, protecting genetic information even when DNA shortens during cell replication.

The research team analyzed data from 175 out of the 220 participants recruited. About 60% of the participants pledged to restrict their caloric intake by 25% for 24 months, while the rest followed a regular diet. The team advised all participants to exercise moderately at least five times a week for 30 minutes without changing their exercise level throughout the two-year research period.

During the study, the average calorie restriction did not reach the 25% target, but it maintained an average of 11.9% calorie restriction.

The study showed that the length of telomeres in the calorie-restricted group decreased faster during the first 12 months. However, in the second year, the rate of decrease was slower than that of the control group, and there was no significant difference in the change in telomere length between the two groups after two years of research.

However, the research team added that a follow-up study over ten years is necessary, as the rate of decrease in telomere length in the calorie restriction group gradually slowed down.