If someone told you there was a fairly easy way to not only extend your life, but to look and feel younger during it, you would assume they were certifiable or, at the very least, after your money. But if there a scientifically proven strategy to do so, would you believe it then?
This biohack, called Calorie Restriction (CR), has been shown to extend the life span in primates and rodent species reliably over the past 20 years of research. The best news is, there is very good reason to believe that these same benefits can be gained in the human life span as well. Researchers now believe CR most likely exists in near all species as a way to increase the chances of survival during seasonal famines and other reasons for food scarcity throughout …show more content…
CR has also been shown to increase the rate of autophagy. Autophagy is the process in which cells remove damaged components in an effort to recycle these materials into new replacement parts. How cool is that? Beyond the damage that causes disease, it is the same damage to cells that causes saggy, wrinkly skin!
How to Practice Calorie Restriction
Now that you’ve been introduced to the science of calorie restriction, you’re most likely wondering how to go about it. Luckily, CR is a practice that’s quite easy to adopt. The goal of this restricted diet is to reduce calorie intake to a level 20-40% lower than what is typical, while still getting all of the necessary vitamins and nutrients. Because of this, CR is often called “calorie restriction with optimal nutrition,” or CRON.
It’s important to think of CRON as a lifestyle, not a diet. What does that really mean? A change in lifestyle is permanent and done for optimum health, whereas a diet is short term and usually done to quickly lose weight for an event like a wedding or class reunion. So, while your goal is to, in fact, cut calories, your other goal is to improve your nutrition. Those who practice CRON for true health and vibrancy don’t only eat half a cheeseburger and half an order of fries; they put wholesome and nutritious foods into their
This biohack, called Calorie Restriction (CR), has been shown to extend the life span in primates and rodent species reliably over the past 20 years of research. The best news is, there is very good reason to believe that these same benefits can be gained in the human life span as well. Researchers now believe CR most likely exists in near all species as a way to increase the chances of survival during seasonal famines and other reasons for food scarcity throughout …show more content…
CR has also been shown to increase the rate of autophagy. Autophagy is the process in which cells remove damaged components in an effort to recycle these materials into new replacement parts. How cool is that? Beyond the damage that causes disease, it is the same damage to cells that causes saggy, wrinkly skin!
How to Practice Calorie Restriction
Now that you’ve been introduced to the science of calorie restriction, you’re most likely wondering how to go about it. Luckily, CR is a practice that’s quite easy to adopt. The goal of this restricted diet is to reduce calorie intake to a level 20-40% lower than what is typical, while still getting all of the necessary vitamins and nutrients. Because of this, CR is often called “calorie restriction with optimal nutrition,” or CRON.
It’s important to think of CRON as a lifestyle, not a diet. What does that really mean? A change in lifestyle is permanent and done for optimum health, whereas a diet is short term and usually done to quickly lose weight for an event like a wedding or class reunion. So, while your goal is to, in fact, cut calories, your other goal is to improve your nutrition. Those who practice CRON for true health and vibrancy don’t only eat half a cheeseburger and half an order of fries; they put wholesome and nutritious foods into their