How to Live Longer and Healthier
Scientists have known since the 1930’s that mice and other animals live 30-50% longer when placed on a diet that is low in calories yet nutritionally complete. It has not been until recently that experiments on humans have shown the same benefits. As people get older, energy-converting organelles called mitochondria decrease in number and generate greater amounts of harmful by-products called free radicals. It is hypothesized that DNA damage from these byproducts can cause chronic diseases of old age such as cancer. In the experiment, one group that had their calories restricted by 25% and a second group restricted calories by 12.5% and increased exercise to burn another 12.5% of calories. Both groups showed a 20-35% increase in the number of mitochondria in their muscle cells and a 60% decrease in DNA damage. The mitochondria appeared to become more youthful and efficient.
Terry Pfau DO, HMD