The Less We Eat, the Longer We Live: Can Caloric Restriction Help Us Become Centenarians?

Abstract

Striving for longevity is neither a recent human desire nor a novel scientific field. The first article on this topic was published in 1838, when the average human life expectancy was approximately 40 years. Although nowadays people on average live almost as twice as long, we still (and perhaps more than ever) look for new ways to extend our lifespan. During this seemingly endless journey of discovering efficient methods to prolong life, humans were enthusiastic regarding several approaches, one of which is caloric restriction (CR). Where does CR, initially considered universally beneficial for extending both lifespan and health span, stand today? Does a lifelong decrease in food consumption represent one of the secrets of centenarians’ long and healthy life? Do we still believe that if we eat less, we will live longer? This review aims to summarize the current literature on CR as a potential life-prolonging intervention in humans and discusses metabolic pathways that underlie this effect.

Exploring the Prospective Role of Propolis in Modifying Aging Hallmarks

“…Nutrient-sensing signaling pathways establish a connection between dietary choices to the aging process. In this regard, calorie restriction has emerged as the most effective approach for promoting a longer, healthier lifespan by regulating these signaling networks across various model organisms [ 232 ]. In fact, current findings from longevity research indicate a smaller genetic contribution and a much greater influence of environmental factors than previously assumed [ 233 ].…”

Special Issue “Centenarians—A Model to Study the Molecular Basis of Lifespan and Healthspan 2.0”

“…Does the adage "eat less to live longer" still resonate? In this S.I., the comprehensive review of Dakic et al [26] seeks to distil the present body of literature surrounding CR as a potential intervention to extend the human lifespan. Moreover, it delves into the complex metabolic pathways that underpin the observed effects.…”

Association between Plant-based Diet and Risk of Chronic Diseases and All-Cause Mortality in Centenarians in China: A Cohort Study

“…However, the existing dietary studies on Chinese centenarians mainly rely on cross-sectional surveys [ [11] , [12] , [13] ], with 1 study employing a follow-up investigation to verify the incidence of cognitive impairment [ 14 ]. The lack of long-term tracking of the effects of different foods on the lifespan extension of centenarians in this population [ 15 , 16 ], coupled with the relatively small population of centenarians in low-income countries, resulted in a focus on developed countries, such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Japan for long-term dietary follow-up investigations [ [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] , [21] ]. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports on long-term dietary follow-up investigations of Chinese centenarians.…”