Caloric Restriction

How many calories we metabolize daily may also provide an answer to why we age. Studies that have been conducted on rats have shown that severely restrictic calorie diets (50% - 70%) that include the necessary nutrients live longer healthier lives. In order for humans to benefit from caloric restriction, they would have to cut at least 30% of their daily calories, which can be a difficult task over a lifetime (Bjorklund & Bee, 2008).

Citations to Major Works

Mccay, C., Crowell, M., & Maynard, L. (1935). The effect of retarded growth upon the length of life and upon ultimate size. Journal of Nutrition, 10, 63-79.

Patel, N.V., Gordon, M.N., Connor, K.E., et al. (2005). Caloric restriction attenuates Aβ-deposition in Alzheimer transgenic models. Neurobiology and Aging, 26, 995-1000.

Web Links

http://www.calorierestriction.org/

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080924151018.htm

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20746251/