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Following a calorie-restricted diet has been shown to slow the effects of aging on the muscles, brain and heart. New findings show that cutting calories may also reduce chronic disease by slowing age-related changes in the genes of the heart.
In a study using 14-month-old mice (middle-aged for mice), it was found that those fed a calorie-restricted diet experienced fewer heart genetic changes brought on by age-close to 20 percent less-than those fed a regular diet. Additionally, potentially harmful changes in the immune system as well as apoptosis, a form of cell death, were decreased.
The findings suggest that calorie-restriction, even if begun in middle-age, can slow aspects of the aging process. Researchers mention that in order to gain benefits, a 30 percent decrease in daily caloric intake would be sufficient, however one must be certain that they are getting enough of the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences October 2002;10.1073
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