Metabolic slowing and reduced oxidative damage with sustained caloric restriction support the rate of living and oxidative damage theories of Aging. That is the title of a recent paper in Cell Metabolism (1). Well it is the scientific way of saying eat less and you may stay young and healthy for a long time.
Currently there are two accepted hypotheses concerning mammalian aging. In 1928 Raymond Pearl advocated the concept of Rate of Living, which essentially stated that the length of life depends inversely on the rate of living; in other words faster the growth, shorter the duration of life. Thirty years later Denham Harman proposed Aging: A theory based on Free radical and Radiation Chemistry which is currently known as the Oxidative Damage Theory of Aging. Food is digested by an oxidative pathway and the process naturally spews out Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) - superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl ion- as byproducts. Unless removed from the system by antioxidants, ROS can chemically hurt proteins, lipids, and DNA. This chemical damage manifests itself as the phenomenon of Aging. Club the two hypotheses together and the recipe for extending youth and longevity.
Redman et al conducted a rigorous study spanning two years. Of the 435 healthy normal individuals screened initially, 73 (male and female) were finally enrolled for the experiment. They were divided into two groups the CR (Calorie Restriction) group and the other AL (Ad Libitum) group. The CR group ate prescribed meals as per protocol, while members of the Ad Libitum group true to its label were allowed to eat as they please. For the CR group calorie intake was gradually reduced by 15% without compromising on the essential nutrients. The CR group registered an average weight loss of 8.7kg, while the AL group gained 1.8kg in the same time frame. The excretion of Isoprostanes, found in urine are the markers and mediators of oxidative stress which was found considerably reduced in the CR group.
Tailpiece:
Also see earlier columns " Blame it on Food" and "Ageing Gracefully"
References:
1. Metabolic slowing and reduced oxidative damage with sustained caloric restriction support the rate of living and oxidative damage theories of Aging.
Redman et al Cell Metabolism 27,1-11 April 3 (2018 )
2. Calorie restriction in humans: an update
3. The Hunger Gains: Extreme Calorie -Restriction Diet shows anti aging results : Scientific American February 2017.
Redman et al conducted a rigorous study spanning two years. Of the 435 healthy normal individuals screened initially, 73 (male and female) were finally enrolled for the experiment. They were divided into two groups the CR (Calorie Restriction) group and the other AL (Ad Libitum) group. The CR group ate prescribed meals as per protocol, while members of the Ad Libitum group true to its label were allowed to eat as they please. For the CR group calorie intake was gradually reduced by 15% without compromising on the essential nutrients. The CR group registered an average weight loss of 8.7kg, while the AL group gained 1.8kg in the same time frame. The excretion of Isoprostanes, found in urine are the markers and mediators of oxidative stress which was found considerably reduced in the CR group.
Tailpiece:
Dr Luigi Fontana says what is important is an healthy life style that includes nutritious diet and adequate exercise; nothing in the extreme. "Don't make your life miserable by counting every single calorie" he adds.
Also see earlier columns " Blame it on Food" and "Ageing Gracefully"
References:
1. Metabolic slowing and reduced oxidative damage with sustained caloric restriction support the rate of living and oxidative damage theories of Aging.
Redman et al Cell Metabolism 27,1-11 April 3 (2018 )
2. Calorie restriction in humans: an update
3. The Hunger Gains: Extreme Calorie -Restriction Diet shows anti aging results : Scientific American February 2017.
