A study shows that cutting calories by up to 12% can help people live healthier and longer lives.

A 12% reduction in calorie intake can increase your life by increasing energy and rejuvenating muscles.

Cutting calories while maintaining vitamin and mineral levels, known as a calorie-restricted diet, also reduces inflammation and boosts metabolism, according to a new long-term study.

It has long been known that calorie restriction delays the progression of age-related diseases in animal models. The new study, published by the National Institute on Aging (NIH), suggests that similar biological mechanisms may apply to humans.

Diet seems to trigger healthy aging genes, allowing us to live longer and healthier lives.

The researchers analyzed the obtained data A comprehensive evaluation of the long-term effects of reducing energy consumption (CALERIE), a two-year study supported by the NIA, showed that when the group was able to achieve a 12 percent reduction in calories, it was enough to activate many of the biological pathways important in healthy aging.

“A 12 percent reduction in calorie intake is doable and may make a big difference in your health,” said lead author and NIA scientific director Luigi Ferrucci, MD.

Popular: 8 habits you should do by the age of 40 if you want to live decades longer

The research team sought to understand the molecular underpinnings of the benefits observed in limited, previous research on calorie restriction in humans. One study found that people on calorie restriction lost muscle mass and an average of 20 pounds in the first year and maintained the weight for the second year.

However, despite losing muscle mass, the calorie-restricted participants did not lose muscle strength, indicating that calorie restriction improves the amount of force produced per unit of muscle mass, called muscle specific force. .

For the current study, the scientists used thigh muscle biopsies from CALERIE participants, a randomized controlled group of young and middle-aged healthy non-obese men and women who were followed up at one- and two-year intervals.

The researchers confirmed that calorie restriction affects the same gene pathways in humans as in mice and nonhuman primates. For example, eating fewer calories up-regulates genes responsible for energy production and metabolism and down-regulates inflammatory genes, leading to reduced inflammation.

Prevention tipMIND and a Mediterranean diet are associated with fewer Alzheimer’s plaques and nodules

“Because inflammation and aging are strongly associated, calorie restriction represents a powerful approach to prevent the pro-inflammatory state that many older adults develop,” Ferrucci said.

Support better diets by sharing this article on social media…