We often think about calories mainly in relation to body weight.
But the amount of energy we consume may also influence how our bodies age.
Our bodies need energy every day. Too little can lead to nutritional deficiencies, loss of muscle and reduced strength. But regularly consuming more energy than we need can also affect metabolic and cardiovascular health.
The goal is therefore not simply to eat less.
Research suggests that moderate calorie restriction, while maintaining good nutrition, may influence some of the biological processes involved in aging.
This is known as calorie restriction without malnutrition.
It means reducing excess energy intake while still providing the body with enough protein, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.
Human research has found that sustained calorie restriction can modestly slow a measure of the pace of biological aging.
That does not mean becoming younger.
Biological aging describes the gradual changes that occur in our cells, tissues and organs over time. Some of these changes may be influenced by nutrition, physical activity and other aspects of lifestyle.
For healthy aging, however, reducing calories should never become the goal on its own.
Maintaining muscle and strength is also important. So are adequate protein intake and good nutritional quality.
Eating less is therefore not necessarily better.
A healthier approach is to provide the body with the energy and nutrients it needs, while avoiding persistent excess.
