X-Message-Number: 19837 Date: Mon, 19 Aug 2002 09:15:20 -0400 From: Thomas Donaldson <> Subject: CryoNet #19825 - #19835 About calorie restriction: Calorie restriction, as done on rats initially, will increase their lifespan. The experiment has been done repeatedly on rats with the same result; comparatively recently some scientists have taken notice and tried it on other (longer-lived) animals. So far it looks like it will work even on us, though a real proof would take a human lifespan, and no one wants to wait that long. However in some ways it is done in a paradoxical way. No, we do NOT just lower glucose levels or that of any single nutrient. WE keep the total calorie level lower than before, but try to make sure that we get enough vitamins, minerals, etc. Right now there are efforts going on to understand why it works, and thus find out have to get the same effect without the discomfort of calorie restriction itself. But restricting sugar, or any other single nutrient, or even a subgroup of them, just doesn't work. If you want references, send to me and I will reply with some; I do not know of any popular book which looks only at calorie restriction. You might, however, look up Richard Walford, a scientist who has actually been using calorie restriction. I haven't read it, but he did write a book of recipes aimed at those who wanted to try calorie restriction for themselves. Best wishes and long long life for all, Thomas Donaldson Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=19837