Despite vast research into the subject, researchers are still
not clear exactly why aging occurs. One of the most interesting
theories of aging involves metabolism – or the bodily process of
turning food into energy. Evidence shows that a faster
metabolism causes faster aging. By temporarily reducing
metabolism through fasting, you can slow aging. Over 100 years
ago, a scientist named Max Rubner found a link between
metabolism and longevity. Smaller organisms, which typically use
more calories per body mass than larger animals, die much
sooner. He came to believe that all organisms are endowed with a
limited amount of potential energy. When that energy is used up,
the organism dies. The faster the energy is used (i.e. fast
metabolism), the faster an organism will age. This theory is now
backed by numerous studies which show that practices which
reduce metabolism can actually reduce the pace of aging. Most
notably, fasting – the practice of depriving oneself of food for
a certain period of time – is shown to c