Diet can play a crucial part in your overall health. Its no surprise then what you put inside your body can affect your longevity. Which diet is best avoided?
Researchers from the University of Aberdeen state: Restricting the intake of calories has been practiced as a method for increasing both the length and quality of life for over 500 years.
Basing their research on animal studies over the past 100 years, theyve concluded that lifelong caloric restriction may extend life by up to 50 percent in rodents.
The researchers added: This effect is matched by profound impacts on age related diseases, including reduced risk of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine shifted the focus of calorie restriction to humans.
They concluded: Data from human studies indicate that long-term calorie restriction with adequate intake of nutrients results in a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
However, the researchers do state that its possible that the benefits the practitioners experienced while restricting their calorie intake could be because of the high-quality, vegan diets they consumed.
Both studies imply that the secret to longer life may be to avoid overeating.
Calories are usually written as kcal or kJ on the nutrition label found on food packets.
This can be found under the energy heading. Be aware, though, most calories are given per 100 grams or 100ml, and so don't refer to the calories found in the whole packet.
The NHS have a calorie checker that can tell you how many calories there are in over 150,000 different foods and drinks.
Apps are also available to download to track your calorie intake.
Link:
How to live longer: Avoid this type of diet if you want to increase your life expectancy - Express
