by David Cowley

Created on: June 10, 2007

From an evolutionary point of view, skipping a meal here and there would be beneficial to the human body. After all the human body was designed to go for days without eating anything. In today's society we have constant access to food and we are taking in calories all day long. Calorie restriction is also known as the anti aging diet; it is based on the theory that by eating far less calories we will be able to slow down the aging process.

A 2006 article in the Journal of American Medical Association suggested that by periodically restricting our caloric intake to as little as 890 calories a day, or fasting, resulted in a decrease in insulin levels and body temperatures, another two biomarkers of longevity. Restricting calories helps to eliminate the free radicals by burning off more calories than you take in thus reducing the amount of fat stored in the human body.

During a research study conducted in 1934, Clive McCay and Mary Crowell used calorie restriction diets to determine the effects on the aging process. They noticed that when laboratory rats were fed all the needed nutrients but the calories in their diets were drastically cut, the rats lived up to twice as long as the rats that was not on this specialized diet. These results have proven consistent over all animals tested.

Tests on the higher primates are currently underway, but due to their long lifespan results do not yet exist. Certain tests are also being conducted on human volunteers and again, due to the long lifespan of our species, these test are sill underway.

The anti aging diet requires that the person restrict their diet on a large degree. Eating a diet that is full of fruits, vegetables, fish, and chicken is one way to start. Avoiding processed foods and certain fats has been shown to improve a persons' overall health. A specialized diet is required for the calorie restriction diet. It's not just cutting back on a meal here and there. This brings up the possible danger of not getting the necessary nutrients a person needs to live in a healthy manner.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with aging such as Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Antioxidants.

Up to one-third of older people can no longer absorb Vitamin B from their food. All of the different Vitamin Bs taken together as B-Complex work together as a team to perform vital biological processes, such as energy production and efficient metabolic function. Vitamin B boost energy levels and help fight fatigue.

Vitamin C is nature's protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies' immune system. Take 1,000 to 5,000 mg daily.

Vitamin D is manufactured in the skin following direct exposure to sunlight. Many studies show that Vitamin D production decreases in older people and in those who are housebound. Vitamin D is needed by the body to absorb calcium, which makes your bones stronger and helps prevent factures.

Vitamin E supplies Oxygen to the heart and the other muscles in the body. Accelerates wound healing and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Substances called Antioxidants can neutralize free radical by pairing up or binding with the free radical elections thus inhibiting them from damaging cells in the human body. Natural Antioxidants are abundant in fruits and vegetables such as, apples, blueberries, broccoli, cherries, cranberries, Grapes, spinach, and Spirulina a blue-green algae.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

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