Calorie Restriction Studies
A Sun-Sentinal article looks at the beneficial effects of calorie restriction in humans: "The 25 subjects, who had consumed about one-third less calories than most people would normally eat for an average of 6 1/2 years, had heart walls that were more elastic, with ventricles that relaxed more readily to fill with blood ... a promising sign that a science rooted in animal data might help humans extend their life span. ... Fontana thinks reducing inflammation may be key. Inflammation usually increases with age and induces effects similar to wound healing, which makes tissues stiffer. Fontana's study found reduced blood levels of two inflammation-linked proteins ... the National Institute on Aging has initiated a clinical trial that will randomly assign either a caloric restriction diet or a normal diet to 240 people. The trial will follow people on caloric restriction for two years and examine the health benefits and risks. Recruitment is expected to start in August."
Link: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-217foodintake,0,2865599.story