Adopting a single dietary approach for more than two decades could significantly slow the ageing process within the human brain, according to groundbreaking new scientific research.
The Primate Study: A Lifelong Dietary Experiment
A team from Boston University in the United States conducted a long-term study involving ten male monkeys, dividing them into two distinct groups. The first group maintained a standard, nutritionally balanced diet throughout their lives. The second group, however, adhered to a regimen of calorie restriction, consuming approximately 30% fewer calories than their counterparts.
After all primates died from natural causes, scientists performed an advanced analysis of their brain tissue using single-nuclei RNA sequencing. The results were striking. The brain cells from the calorie-restricted monkeys demonstrated markedly better metabolic health and functionality compared to those from monkeys on normal diets.
From Monkey Brains to Human Health Implications
Although this research was conducted on animals, scientists emphasise that monkey brains share fundamental structural and connectivity similarities with human brains. The research team believes their findings strongly suggest that sustained dietary interventions can influence the very course of brain ageing at a cellular level.
Ana Vitantonio, the study's corresponding author and a fifth-year PhD student, stated: "Calorie restriction is a well-established intervention that can slow biological ageing and may reduce age-related metabolic alterations in shorter-lived experimental models. This study provides rare, long-term evidence that calorie restriction may also protect against brain ageing in more complex species."
Co-author Professor Tara L. Moore added crucial context: "This is important because these cellular alterations could have implications that are relevant to cognition and learning. In other words, dietary habits may influence brain health and eating fewer calories may slow some aspects of brain ageing when implemented long term."
The Global Context: Lessons from Blue Zones
This new research aligns with a wealth of existing studies on the benefits of moderated eating. In Okinawa, Japan—one of the world's renowned 'Blue Zones' known for exceptional resident longevity—many inhabitants practice an '80% rule'. This principle involves eating only until they feel 80% full, typically during one small meal in the late afternoon or early evening.
Dr Deborah Lee, a GP at Dr Fox Pharmacy, previously explained the science behind this approach to the Mirror. "Calorie restriction is believed to slow the ageing process. Eating less lowers the metabolic rate. With less metabolic processes underway, less oxidation is taking place. Oxidative stress probably underpins the development of many of the chronic diseases we see today – heart disease, cancer, type-2 diabetes and dementia."
Dr Lee also recommended eating slowly to help adhere to the 80% rule, a practice supported by a 2012 study linking slower eating to greater satisfaction and reduced hunger. She advised focusing on plant-based items and whole foods while avoiding processed products, ready meals, and sugary drinks to maximise the benefits of a calorie-conscious diet.
