Calorie restriction (CR) is a type of diet that has been researched for over 70 years but still much remains to be known about its actions and effects on the functioning of the human body. So far scientists, have found out that it has promising effects on certain species of animals such as rodents, dogs, fish and even fungi. It has been shown that inducing calorie restriction in these animals slows down the aging process, vastly improving the lifespan beyond the average.
As of right now, studies are currently being done on primates to show if calorie restriction actually works on them. And even though they are producing good results, it is still uncertain if this diet regimen will provide long-term benefits on primates, which include us, humans.
Calorie restriction Benefits
Calorie restriction has been shown to have beneficial effects both in adult men and women when it comes to body metabolism, hormonal and functional changes. This diet, however, may not apply to everyone especially for those who fall below the standard Body Mass Index, which is a measure of one’s weight in relation to height, because it becomes now related to malnutrition.
Calorie restriction may even provide negative effects to older adults above the age of 65 and who are underweight at the same time since it may even induce rapid development of delirium, a state of violent mental agitation caused by sudden changes in the body’s homeostasis. Calorie restriction may not apply to underweight individuals but studies have shown good benefits for normal to overweight individuals.
Contrary to the perception of other people, calorie restriction is actually an uncommon dietary measure normally practiced in a certain culture in Japan, known as the Okinawan diet, and the CRON diet (Calorie Restriction with Optimal Nutrition) developed by Roy Walford, Lisa Walford and Brian M. Delaney. The indigenous people of Ryukyu Islands who follow the Okinawan diet reportedly have the longest life span in the world. The CRON diet, on the other hand, was developed when Walford summarized his participation of certain studies and from years of animal testing.
Calorie Restriction Risks
As earlier mentioned, calorie restriction has been associated with providing great benefits to the functioning of the human body but there are heath-related concerns that experts say needs to be addressed. By consistently, consuming fewer calories a person may eventually starve and may become underweight. And because calorie restriction may cause hunger, it may actually backfire because it may also lead to binge eating behaviors. Other results that have found to have been unfavorable with calorie restriction are the effects of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar to the body. Unless there are other ways to slow down energy consumption, calorie restriction might be a good practice after all. But then again, no clear explanation has been made regarding such dietary practice.
Calorie restriction may be a promising solution that can address health-related concerns and the issue of aging but there is so much more that needs to be known about CR. Until now, research regarding calorie restriction is still ongoing.
