# Calorie restriction might increase longevity Calorie restriction has in some studies been linked with an increase in longevity.[^1] This can be explained by both the [[Rate of living theory]] and the [[Free radical theory]]. Simply put, calorie restriction seems to lower metabolic rate, thereby decreasing rate of leaving and increasing longevity. There has been evidence that calorie restriction reduce free radical production in some species. However, it is possible that the control group animals in the experiments had an inappropriate diet (eg by overeating), which could have led them to have a reduced lifespan compared to subjects living in natural conditions. Furthermore, it is not obvious that those observations directly apply to humans. --- ## 📚 References - [[@whativelearnedLongevityWhyNow2016]] - "Can Calorie Restriction Extend Your Lifespan?" Science in the News, 2 Aug. 2020, <https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2020/can-calorie-restriction-extend-your-lifespan/>. [^1]: McDonald, Roger B., and Jon J. Ramsey. "Honoring Clive McCay and 75 Years of Calorie Restriction Research." The Journal of Nutrition, vol. 140, no. 7, July 2010, pp. 1205–10. PubMed Central, <https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.110.122804>.