Food or calorie restriction has been shown in many short-lived animals and the rhesus monkey to prolong life-span. Life-long nutrition studies are not possible in humans because of their long survival. Studies over two to six years in healthy adult humans have, however, shown that a 20% reduction in food or calorie intake slows many indices of normal and disease-related aging. Thus, it is widely believed that long-term reduction in calorie or food intake will delay the onset of age-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer, and so prolong life. Over the last 20 or more years there has been a progressive rise in food intake in many countries of the world, accompanied by a rising incidence of obesity. Thus our increasing food and calorie intake has been linked to the rising incidence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in early adult life. It is accepted that overeating, accompanied by reduced physical exercise, will lead to more age-related diseases and shortening of life-span. The answer is to reduce our calorie intake, improve our diet, and exercise more. But calorie restriction is extremely difficult to maintain for long periods. How then can we solve this problem? Edited by a team of highly distinguished academics, this book provides the latest information on the beneficial effects of calorie restriction on health and life-span. This book brings us closer to an understanding at the molecular, cellular and whole organism level of the way forward.

Recent biochemical studies indicate that calorie restriction (CR) is a widely accepted method for anti-aging intervention. CR and intermittent fasting (IF), which involves reduced calories but proper nutritional intake during specific periods, are interventions that can consistently promote health benefits, delay biological aging, and extend both average and maximal lifespan. Furthermore, CR can modulate age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and others. Advances in omics technologies have provided a technical breakthrough that enabled the investigation of DNA, RNA, proteins, and other cellular molecules and their comprehensive interactions in a biological context. Nowadays, it is possible to analyze and integrate biological processes that occur in aging systems at the molecular level using state-of-the-art techniques such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), proteomics, lipidomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics. Omics technology and systems gerontology provide predictive information on CR effects, molecular mechanisms, and pathways underlying the anti-aging actions of CR and IF. This Special Issue, “The effects of calorie restriction and intermittent fasting on health and disease”, focuses on the effects of calorie restriction and intermittent fasting on age-related inflammation, autophagy, metabolism, longevity, mitochondrial function, and age-related diseases.

This edited volume is a compilation of 30 articles discussing what constitutes food for health and longevity. The aim is to provide up-to-date information, insights, and future tendencies in the ongoing scientific research about nutritional components, food habits and dietary patterns in different cultures. The health-sustaining and health-promoting effects of food are certainly founded in its overall composition of macronutrients and micronutrients. However, the consumption of these nutrients is normally in the form of raw or prepared food from the animal and plant sources. The book is divided into four parts and a conclusion, and successfully convenes the well-established information and knowledge, along with the personal views of a diversified group of researchers and academicians on the multifaceted aspects of nutrition, food and diet. The first part reviews the scientific information about proteins, carbohydrates, fats and oils, micronutrients, pro- and pre-biotics, and hormetins, along with a discussion of the evolutionary principles and constraints about what is optimal food, if any. The second part discusses various kinds of foods and food supplements with respect to their claimed benefits for general health and prevention of some diseases. The third part brings in the cultural aspects, such as what are the principles of healthy eating according to the traditional Chinese and Indian systems, what is the importance of mealing times and daily rhythms, and how different cultures have developed different folk wisdoms for eating for health, longevity and immortality. In the part four, various approaches which are either already in practice or are still in the testing and research phases are discussed and evaluated critically, for example intermittent fasting and calorie restriction, food-based short peptides, senolytics, Ayurvedic compounds, optimal food for old people, and food for the prevention of obesity and other metabolic disorders. The overreaching aim of this book is to inform, inspire and encourage students, researchers, educators and medical health professionals thinking about food and food habits in a holistic context of our habits, cultures and patterns. Food cannot be reduced to a pill of nutritional components. Eating food is a complex human behavior culturally evolved over thousands of years. Perhaps the old adage “we are what we eat” needs to be modified to “we eat what we are”.

At last, a book that explains in practical terms the concept of calorie restriction (CR) -- a life-extending eating strategy with "profound and sustained beneficial effects," according to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The concept is simple and flexible: eat fewer calories and choose foods carefully. Longtime CR practitioners and experts Brian M. Delaney and Lisa Walford clearly explain all the relevant health and nutrition guidelines and provide the tools you need to make the appropriate dietary changes. The results can be dramatic; those who follow CR have quickly lowered their cholesterol and blood pressure and reduced their body fat. Recently featured on Oprah and 60 Minutes, CR is continuing to gain momentum. With updated research and new information about exercise and food choices, The Longevity Diet is the key to a longer, healthier life.

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of research on the essential relationship of the coenzyme Q10 and the process of aging in living organisms. CoQ10 is an important factor in two main aspects of cell physiology: bioenergetics and antioxidant protection. While primary deficiency of CoQ10 is associated with severe and lethal disease, secondary deficiency can be associated with the progression of mitochondrial dysfunction linked to the lessening of biological activities during aging. The book is organized in four sections. The first offers an overview of the function of CoQ10, highlighting the two main functions of CoQ10 in cells: its essential role as electron transport chain member in mitochondria, and the protection of cell membranes against oxidation as one of the main endogenous-synthesized antioxidants. The second section covers research on Coenzyme 10. Topics include studies involving invertebrate models, mammal studies and the influence of CoQ on longevity. Also covered is research involving the role of CoQ in senescence-accelerated mice. Section three examines the effects of reduced CoQ in human aging, as evident in mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative disorders, immunosenescence and fertility and reproduction. The final section, Prolongevity effectors and Coenzyme Q, explores research into slowing or stopping the aging process. Coverage includes strategies including calorie restriction, and modulation of CoQ10 levels by induction of synthesis or by supplementation. Coenzyme Q in Aging benefits a broad readership of researchers, clinicians, educators and students interested in the biochemical and physiological effects of coenzyme Q and the importance of this molecule in aging process.

Live healthier for longer with the international bestselling guide that will change your life 'The diet that holds the key to staying young . . . Dr Valter Longo is now considered one of the most influential voices in the 'fasting movement' The Times 'Dr Valter Longo is one of the real scientific pioneers when it comes to researching the impact of food on health' Dr Michael Mosley, bestselling author of The Fast Diet and The Clever Guts Diet ________ This is the clinically tested, revolutionary and straightforward diet to help you slow-down ageing, fight disease and lose weight. Following 30 years of research, Professor Valter Longo - a biochemist and one of the world's leading researchers into ageing - discovered that the secret of longevity lies in cellular regeneration triggered by a special diet. And that by adhering to his fasting-mimicking diet, we can heal ourselves through food. The Longevity Diet will guide you through the process with: - An easy-to-adopt lifetime plan - Fasting-mimicking diet 3-4 times a year, just 5 days at a time - 30 easy and delicious recipes based on Longo's 'Five Pillars of Longevity' In this lifelong, health-boosting plan, you will feel the benefits of fasting without the hunger and live a longer, healthier and more fulfilled life. And you'll get to try easy, plant-and-fish based recipes . . . - Great for the heart and rich in antioxidants: black rice with courgette and shrimp - For a good source of iron, snack on dark chocolate and yoghurt - For dessert try tangy dried cranberries and walnuts ________ Make simple changes that can extend your healthy lifespan * Prevent age-related muscle and bone loss * Build your resistance to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's and cancer * Maintain your ideal weight and reduce abdominal fat