Cutting calories reduces the risk of cancer and Alzheimer’s

Cutting calories reduces the risk of cancer and Alzheimer’s. Low calorie diet slows down metabolism and can help you live longer.

A recent study revealed that lowering calorie intake by 15% over 2 years slowed aging and metabolism rates in human. Low calorie intake also can protect against aging-associated diseases. Every time we metabolize calories to generate energy in the body. We also generate free oxygen radicals, which are the metabolic by products. These reactive oxygen species accumulate in our bodies, causing oxidative stress overtime, this oxidative stress damages our cells and organs which leads to shortened lifespan and accelerates aging.

It also linked to aging-associated diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson. Oxidative damage can also cause cancer, diabetes, and other diseases.

Calorie-restrictive diet causes reduction in metabolic rate by about 10%. A slow metabolism results in reduced oxidative stress which, in turns, leads to less damage to cells and organs in the body.

Healthy eating habits can affect you mental health too. Eating processed food increases your chances of becoming depressed. A study suggest that healthy diet can reduce the symptoms of depression.

According to this study, healthy food can acts as a powerful antidepressant with no negative side effects compared to anti-depressant pills. In the study, adults with major depression were put on a healthy diet plan.

Their diet consist of:

Whole grains

Vegetables

Fruits

Olive oil

Legumes

Fish

Egg

Chicken

Lean

Red meats

While reducing intake of fried, fast foods, ultra processed meats, sugary drinks, sweets and refined cereals. After 3 months of healthier eating, their depression scores improved by 11 points 32% of the adult participants no longer had depression.

Diet can influence mental health through a number of different pathways. Healthy food contains micronutrients that help our brain better cope with daily stress. It also enhances our immune system, which can fight against diseases efficiently. A poor diet can lead to chronic low-grade inflammation which is a risk factor for diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Inflammation also plays a role in causing depression. Research suggest that a healthy diet may even be easier on your wallet.