[Zeitgeist]

This isn't new research, as I've known about calorie restricters for a long time. In essence, voluntarily reducing your calorie intake in linked to a longer lifespan. However, the reasoning behind it surprised me.

"Scientists aren't sure exactly why calorie restriction slows aging. But they're on the verge of a firm understanding. In a nutshell, it is thought to lower metabolic rate and cause the body to generate fewer damaging "free radicals."

Everyone is always worried about their metabolism falling, but this research is saying a lower metabolism results in a longer life...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25588227/

[carolr3639]

Does that mean we shouldn't exercise either because that raises your metabolism?

[KLK]

I am reminded of a scene from the movie "The Truth About Cats and Dogs":

"So... we're trying to supress the 'Free Radicals'? Are we selling face cream here or staging a political coup?"

I read ab this calorie restriction before too -- I think they were doing a lot of research on chimps and the calorie restricted chimps were MUCH more energetic/healthier looking/better skin and hair, etc. than chimps of their same age on full-calorie diets.

Interesting stuff.

[mazza]

I heard about this on Oprah, and I'd also read that it was in conjunction with eating fewer 'bad' calories - from junk food, processed foods and saturated + trans fats that contributed to the good effects of long - term calorie restriction.
Baby boomers are really buying into this lifestyle plan.

[ReadytoRun]

Well, it's not entirely bad, I think -- limiting the artificial sweetners, trans fats, and high cholesterol foods.