Calorie Restriction Key to Longevity?

Scientists find path to fountain of youth

AFP/National Institute of Health/File – The fountain of youth may exist after all, as a study showed that scientists have discovered means to …

• Slideshow:Fountain of Youth

by Jean-Louis Santini Jean-louis Santini – Thu Oct 1, 11:10 pm ET

WASHINGTON (AFP) – The fountain of youth may exist after all, as a study showed that scientists have discovered means to extend the lifespan of mice and primates. The key to eternal -- or at least prolonged -- youth lies in genetic manipulation that mimics the health benefits of reducing calorie intake, suggesting that aging and age-related diseases can be treated. Scientists from the Institute of Healthy Aging at University College London (UCL) extended the lifespan of mice by up to a fifth and reduced the number of age-related diseases affecting the animals after they genetically manipulated them to block production of the S6 Kinase 1 (S6K1) protein.   Scientists have shown since the 1930s that reducing the calorie intake by 30 percent for rats, mice and -- in a more recent finding -- primates can extend their lifespan by 40 percent and have health benefits...." This article goes on to speak about blocking a protein and the benefits manipulating this can have for mankind.

Great. But you can do that RIGHT NOW by restricting your calorie intake and sticking to Zone proportions and a Paleo nutrition plan. 

Google "Calorie Restriction Society". This is a fascinating group of individuals who use themselves for guinea pigs in a quest for longevity. Their calorie restriction is severe, and I don't recommend it for athletes--the two do not intermingle, but it's an interesting observation nonetheless. Here's another reason to watch the carbohydrate/calorie intake:

Check out the bone deformities that occur in very overweight individuals.

There was another interesting article on longevity on Yahoo the other day.  I don't have the article, but the gist when the centenarian was asked, "what's your secret?" was "I don't eat that much. People just eat way too much", he said. 

The common thread amongst most folks who live a LONG time is that they don't eat that much.

No pun intended, but "food for thought".

Wouldn't it be cool to be a boot camper at 80?