Slight reduction in the diet slows down aging and strengthens blood vessels

The CALERIE (Comprehensive Assessment of Long-Term Effects of Reducing Energy Intake) project is one of the largest studies on the impact of nutrition on human health. During the first phase, participants aimed to reduce their calorie intake by 25%, but they actually achieved an average reduction of 12%. Despite this deviation from the original plan, the results were clinically significant. The group that followed a restricted diet experienced a significant decrease in LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), blood pressure, and insulin levels compared to the control group. The participants’ body weight decreased by an average of 10%, although weight loss was not the primary goal of the experiment.

The biological mechanism behind these changes is believed to be related to the optimization of the process of converting food into cellular energy. A moderate calorie deficit encourages the body to work more efficiently by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of cancer and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. The participants’ urine samples showed a significant decrease in the levels of these molecules in the dietary restriction group.

Data published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in early 2026 also dispelled concerns about the quality of nutrition being compromised by calorie restriction. An analysis of food diaries showed that the participants self-adjusted their diets by increasing the proportion of proteins and complex carbohydrates at the expense of fats. At the same time, the intake of micronutrients remained within the normal range, making the method safe for healthy adults.

However, the researchers emphasize the presence of medical contraindications. Calorie restriction is not recommended for individuals over the age of 65, children, pregnant women, individuals with a body mass index (BMI) below 22, and patients with osteoporosis or specific medical conditions that require medication. For the majority of healthy individuals, moderate dietary changes (such as avoiding high-calorie beverages or desserts) have been shown to be effective in preventing chronic diseases and promoting overall health.