The results of a long-awaited study of calorie restricted diets
in rhesus monkeys which began in 1987, are finally in. But it
did not bring the vindication calorie restriction enthusiasts
had anticipated. It has been known for years that omega-3 fatty
acids (found in certain types of oily fish) help to stave off
heart disease, though the reasons why have been largely unknown
until now. A recent study conducted at Oregon Health and Science
University has shown that elderly people with higher blood
levels of four notable vitamins exhibit better mental functions
than those lacking in the same vitamins. Nobel laureate
Elizabeth Blackburn, PhD, professor of biochemistry and
biophysics joins a team of researchers at UCSF to measure the
health benefits of drastic calorie restriction. One of the aims
of the CRONA (Caloric Restriction with Optimal Nutrition and
Aging Study) is to see whether extremely low calorie intake
slows down aging, and therefore reduces the risk of developing
age related illnesses.