Moderately cutting calories may increase healthy lifespan, experts say (Getty)

keep one Healthy eating It is a fundamental habit for our well-being. In this vein, nutritionists and doctors often recommend certain key measures, such as eating enough fruits, vegetables and legumes. Now, a scientific study conducted in the United States has revealed that restrict caloric intake in a 25% can help delay aging and to promote longevity.

In the research, which was published in the journal natural agingthe experts of the Columbia University, in New York, presented: “The calorie restrictiondefined as a decrease in caloric intake without depriving oneself of essential nutrientsresults in changes in molecular processes that have been associated with aging, including DNA (mDNA) methylation, and is further shown to increase healthy lifespan in several species.”

Second, they stated, “We observed substantial and sustained weight loss and related changes in body and tissue composition, in addition to general improvement in cardiometabolic health and slowing of physiological changes related to ‘age.”

To reach these conclusions, the scientists analyzed data from a previous project in New Zealand of people who reduced their calorie intake during weekly sessions of weightloss. The volunteers started with 27 days of small portions of food, before continuing with a sustained diet. Those who, within a year, reduced their calories by more than 10% aged “slower”, according to the release.

It is essential to keep in mind that caloric restriction must be supervised by a professional and must not neglect the nutrients essential for the proper functioning of the body (Pexels)
It is essential to keep in mind that caloric restriction must be supervised by a professional and must not neglect the nutrients essential for the proper functioning of the body (Pexels)

“This new study we conducted is very exciting because we have found that calorie restriction can slow the rate at which people age biologically,” said Dr. Daniel Belsky, who directed the work of Columbia University. For this study, biological age tests were used based on gene activity and certain signs of aging such as blood pressure and cholesterol were observed.

“Slowing down biological aging means live longer and get sick later. Therefore, calorie restriction may not only benefit obese people, but may also allow healthy people to live longer, healthier lives,” Belsky added.

As described by the researchers in the publication of natural aging, the participants of the analyzed study improved “their health cardiometabolic and slowed age-related changes in the integrity of the physiological system” with reduced calories. “We conducted an analysis to test whether those who got higher doses of calorie reduction experienced greater effects,” they noted.

And they clarified: “Our findings have implications for future research in geroscience. Research on the biology of aging has identified multiple therapies with the potential to improve healthy life expectancy in humans.”

Any change in diet must have the approval of a specialist who also promotes other healthy habits such as exercise (Getty)
Any change in diet must have the approval of a specialist who also promotes other healthy habits such as exercise (Getty)

On the other hand, another of the authors, Calen Ryanconcluded: “Calorie restriction probably not for everybody. Our findings are important because they provide evidence from a randomized trial that it is possible to delay human aging. They also give us an idea of ​​the kinds of effects we might look for in trials of interventions that might appeal to more people, like intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating.”

Previously, other scientific articles have also suggested that moderate calorie restriction may contribute to longevity. A few months ago, a study published in the journal Science postulated that this measure leads to a compensation of growth, reproduction and immune defense. As part of the survey, which was conducted in Pennington Biomedical Research Center (USA), the authors estimated: “Calorie restriction of approximately 14% for 2 years in healthy humans enhanced hematopoiesis – the production of blood cells – and was correlated with lipid mobilization. “

Eric Ravussinone of the members of the work, gave more details about the results: “Two years of modest calorie restriction reprogrammed pathways in fat cells that help regulate how mitochondria generate energy, responses anti-inflammatories in the body and, potentially, longevity. . In other words, calorie restriction reconfigures many of the metabolic and immune responses that improve life and health span.”

According to research, people who reduced their calorie intake generated more T cells, They play a key role in immune function and slow down the aging process. “As people age, their thymus glands shrink and produce fewer T cells. As a result, older people have a harder time fighting infections and some cancers. Calorie restriction helps prevent the thymus from shrinking, so the person makes more T cells,” Ravussin said.

Scientists have observed, among other things, that calorie restriction improves hematopoiesis, that is, the production of blood cells (Getty)
Scientists have observed, among other things, that calorie restriction improves hematopoiesis, that is, the production of blood cells (Getty)

To arrive at these claims, the team of experts used data from a previous Pennington Institution study, titled “Comprehensive Assessment of the Long-Term Effects of Reduced Energy Intake.”

Beyond these results, specialists warn that a Healthy eating It must be accompanied by other habits that contribute to health and well-being. In addition, any nutritional decision involving a reduction in calorie intake must be supervised by a professional. On this point, previously, the Nutrition and Diabetes specialist Marianela Aguirre Ackerman (MN 151867) had said GlobeLiveMedia: “Magic diets, extremely low in calories, without carbohydrates, which eliminate flour, etc. they totally alter the connection with food – so necessary and so important – and leave out what the real meaning of eating is.

For the doctor, it is necessary to concentrate “on the people learn to eat again. Of course, excesses can be harmful and even cause disease, so the key is to change your attitude, seek balance and promote healthy habits”.

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