New research suggests that moderate caloric restriction in humans has benefits beyond weight loss. In a two-year study, researchers saw improved immune function and T cell production, and a reduction in inflammation in participants who reduced their calories by about 14 percent.
Caloric restriction (CR) has been an important topic in aging and longevity research for many years. We’ve learned from studies on many types of animals—from flies to mice to nonhuman primates—that moderate CR without malnutrition prolongs lifespan, slows biological aging, and delays the development of chronic diseases.
More recent research has tried to understand the biology behind the beneficial, longevity-promoting effects of CR, and how it could be used to improve human health. The Comprehensive Assessment of Long-Term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE) trial was the first CR trial conducted in healthy humans. Participants in the CR group were instructed to reduce calorie intake moderately (a goal of 20 percent) for two years….