Less Calories, Longer Life

Scientists found signs according to which reducing calories may lead to a longer life. The study led by a team from Louisiana State University said cutting calories lowered insulin and mentioned that further studies were needed to confirm the findings.

"A lot of evidence already exists to suggest that calorie restriction increases maximum life span in several animal species. However, there hasn't been any proof of it being the case in humans. This is the first step toward looking at the beneficial effects of calorie restriction in humans," said co-author Dr. Eric Ravussin.

48 healthy overweight men and women were involved in a 6-month trial looking at the effects of calories reduction. The people were divided into 4 groups: a group which followed a normal diet, the second group received 25% less calories than the daily requirement, the third group exercised and reduced calorie intakes while the fourth group received a very low calorie diet, starting with 890 kcal a day and then increased to maintain a 15% weight loss.

After the 6 months, patients in the first group lost 1% of their weight, those in the second and third lost about 10% and the ones in the fourth lost 14% of their weight. Lower blood levels of insulin and a lower body temperature were also noticed at patients with a restricted calorie regime.

"Body temperature and blood insulin levels are markers of longevity like gray hair or wrinkles can be," Ravussin asserted. "It has been shown both in animals and humans that those with lower body temperature tend to live longer, and so do those with lower fasting insulin levels."