By Alana Gold, Registered Dietician

Will eating fewer calories help you live longer? New research suggests caloric restriction may be a fountain of youth. Recent studies conducted on laboratory animals have demonstrated that decreasing the number of calories consumed extends life span. Although the theory is not yet proven in humans, the findings are promising.

Researchers at The National Institute on Aging have been studying the effects of caloric restriction and found that rodents on a calorie restricted diet live 40% longer than rodents on normal diets. Other animal studies have shown that moderate caloric restriction not only prolongs life, it also slows the progression of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Ongoing research on rhesus monkeys has already shown that a 30% reduction in calories increases good cholesterol levels (HDL), reducing the risk for heart disease. The calorie restricted monkeys also have a reduced incidence of diabetes, cancer and morbidity and mortality rates appear to be lower.

How does caloric restriction work?
It is believed that eating fewer calories reduces body temperature and alters metabolic function leading to less cell damage. These metabolic changes also slow other cell-damaging activities in the body and, in turn, appear to slow the aging process. Calorie restriction also lowers insulin and blood sugar levels and increases insulin sensitivity. This lowers the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

It is difficult to know if the benefits of calorie restriction in humans are the same as in animals. Since humans live longer than animals, no such studies have been completed on humans; however, the Longitudinal Baltimore Study of Aging is looking at calorie restriction and longevity in humans. The ongoing study has found that men who live the longest have the biological markers of aging seen in calorie reduced animals such as reduced body temperature and lower insulin levels.

An example of people who eat fewer calories and live longer can be seen in Okinawa, Japan. Consider the following findings:

• Okinawans have the longest average lifespan in the world.
• They eat up to 40% fewer calories than Americans and 17% fewer than the Japanese average.
• Okinawans have adequate nutrition despite eating fewer calories.

Many factors contribute to the increased lifespan seen in the Okinawan people, however, researchers strongly believe that calorie restriction plays a large role.

With continuing research in the works, only time will tell if eating less really will allow us to live longer. In the meantime, adopting healthy habits from the five key areas of health - Attitude, Nutrition, Sleep, Vitamins and Exercise - is your best assurance to living a long life.

Try these healthy anti-aging tips:

1. Eat a balanced diet, such as the Truestar Nutrition Plan, with adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fat. Load up on nutritious vegetables and fruits each day.
2. Stop smoking.
3. Exercise regularly.
4. Be a positive thinker. The Truestar Attitude Plan can help you improve your attitude one day at a time. A healthy mind, body and soul are essential for a long life.

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