It’s been a big week on the longevity front: First, scientists found that an immunosuppresant drug called rapamycin extended the lifespan of mice. Now, a 20-year-long study reported in the journal Science shows that a diet 30 percent lower in calories than normal decreased the incidence of age-related diseases in macaque monkeys as the animals got older.

Now, the study isn’t 100% so far because macaques actually live until 40, but if you click through and check out the picture, you’ll see a marked difference between the calorie restricted beastie and the one who ate the regular (but nutritious) diet.

I take resveratrol and am on something of a self-imposed calorie restricted diet… at least, I assume that’s why I struggle to keep weight on – I’ve lost 10-15 lbs this year – I have a BMI around 20 and bodyfat around 13%. I’m not manorexic – I thoroughly enjoy food, I’ve just trained myself to eat in a grazing manner that makes me less *HUNGRY* and merely hungry. I think it helps regulate my bloodsugar as well. Supposedly if you eat in a grazing manner you’ll pack on the pounds, but I sure ain’t seen it. I even eat more food later in the evening, which is supposed to pack on the pounds.

My diet is high in nuts and berries and yogurt and whole grains. Yes, I eat wheat. *gasp, the gluten!* I also exercise and garden fairly regularly, but most of the time I’m either in a classroom or on my computer. I still eat junk food. Ice cream is one of my favorite foods as well. Hopefully I’m not killing my veins while keeping my shape – I try to minimize the junk but am still merely human. At least PHO is for the most part out of my diet, one of the worst for veins.

Knowledge is power! Nommage is power! Knowledge about nommage is power over yourself. Have power!

Tags: health, longevity, personal, wild speculation, yes this is really how I amuse myself

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 9th, 2009 at 18:46.