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LEADING oncologist Dr JUSTIN STEBBING explains why a low-calorie diet could be the key to longer life.

We all know dieting and weight loss can be good for you, improving your body image and health. However, recent research suggests cutting calories could be a means of prolonging life.

For a long time it has been known that depriving earthworms of certain sugars makes them live considerably longer than those that are overfed.

Now research has shown that certain types of diet where calories are severely restricted, can delay aging and extend the lifespan of certain types of monkey.

Low carbohydrate diet

While this was previously known to be the case in worms it’s the first time it has been shown in what are scientifically called higher animals.

Restricting calorie intake from birth delayed the onset of age-associated diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

It also stopped brain shrinkage and loss of brain tissue, which is associated with such conditions as Alzheimer’s disease.

One of the key features of this type of calorie restriction is that it must not cause malnourishment.

It should not be attempted in humans because it needs to be started at birth and be overseen every step of the way.

These experiments help us understand the delicate interplay between diet and disease.