Will eating less let boomers live longer? Apparently the answer to that question, unfortunately, is "No." In a recent study conducted by the National Institute of Aging and reported in the journal Nature, August 23, 2012, it was determined that large calorie restrictions by humans will not prolong your life despite the fact that other studies in monkeys and rats have shown just that effect. Those studies convinced some people that the fountain of youth lay in eating significantly less than most people need to function.
So, what type of restrictions are we talking about? Well, the average adult human consumes about 2200 calories a day. The believers in extreme calorie restrictions have cut their calorie intake by as much as 30 to 40 percent. Earlier studies in mammals and other animals suggested an increase in lifespan by as much as an astounding 50% as a result of such restrictions. While there is no question that many people consume too many calories which may shorten their lifespan, it appears eating too few calories will not necessarily have the opposite effect.
While the Nature article is certainly intriguing for its conclusions, it is unlikely that it will end the debate over calorie restrictions. As with anything else, people will continue to believe what they want to believe. If they feel better eating less, I am sure people will continue doing so. As for me, I think moderation in caloric intake, as well as most other things, is still the key to good health and longevity. On the other hand, I am reminded of the statement once made by Edwin Land, the inventor of the Polaroid camera, "Anything worth doing, is worth doing to excess."
Let us know what you think.
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