When it comes to aging, you may be what you don't eat. We have discussed research indicating that foods like blueberries could help fight some of the mental and physical effects of age. But recent research also suggests that eating less could also fight aging. Now researchers in Wisconsin have found a possible reason why this works. They analyzed the genetic structure of young and old mice and found that some genes change what they do with age.
Some genes control the way cells react to injury, such as damage from stress.
These genes become more active with age. Other genes control the way cells maintain a healthy function in normal circumstances. These genes become less active with age. But when mice were given a calorie-restricted diet, with about a quarter of the calories they usually were given, most of these genetic changes did not happen. That could mean a longer, healthier life.