It works for monkeys, and it works for mice. Now comes some evidence that calorie restriction would extend the lives of humans, a species that can actually count calories. HealthDay reports that researchers at Washington University found that significantly limiting calories lowers core body temperature (the temperature at which all of the functions in the body can operate with maximum efficiency), which has been shown to prolong life. The study compared the core body temperatures of 24 people in their mid-50s who practiced calorie restriction for at least six years to 24 of their peers who ate a standard Western diet. The core body temperatures of 24 endurance runners in the same age group were also measured to determine if simply being lean was enough to lower body temperature without calorie restriction. The researchers found that the calorie restrictors had a lower average core body temperature by about 0.2 degrees Celsius, a greater reduction that was seen in the endurance athletes.
Read an abstract of the study.
Uhhhh… WHAT????