If there was a medicine that could make you live to be 120 years old, I believe everyone would buy it. This medicine exists, and each of us can obtain it - it's simply eating less.
This was proven through an experiment on monkeys conducted by scientists. They divided 100 monkeys into two groups: one group could eat as much as they wanted, while the other group was restricted to eating only 70-80% of their usual intake. The results showed that after a period of time, 50 monkeys from the group that could eat as much as they wanted died, while the monkeys in the restricted group remained slim, healthy, and rarely got sick. After 10 years, only 12 monkeys from the restricted group had died.
There are several reasons why eating less can lead to longevity, as analyzed by scientists:
1. Eating less reduces the burden on the digestive system. When the body consumes excessive amounts of protein and fat, it puts a strain on the digestive system and can lead to indigestion. Undigested food can linger in the intestines for a long time, producing toxins and carcinogens. These substances not only increase the risk of digestive diseases, but also get absorbed through the intestinal wall, cross the blood-brain barrier, and damage the central nervous system, leading to aging.
2. Overeating disrupts brain metabolism. Scientific research has shown that after overeating, a growth factor called "fibroblast growth factor" in the brain increases tens of thousands of times compared to when not overeating. This growth factor causes fat cells and endothelial cells in blood vessels to enlarge, leading to arteriosclerosis, insufficient blood oxygen supply to the brain cortex, shrinkage of brain tissue, and cognitive decline, ultimately resulting in dementia and shortened lifespan.
3. Overeating damages cells and accelerates aging. When we breathe, 2% of the oxygen we inhale is catalyzed by oxidases to form reactive oxygen species (free radicals), which are extremely harmful to the body. They can cause cell damage, arterial hardening, diseases, aging, and even death. The more energy we consume, the more reactive oxygen species are produced, and the faster we age. Eating less can reduce the production of reactive oxygen species, protecting cells from damage and slowing down the aging process.
4. Long-term overeating can lead to obesity, and in turn, a series of diseases such as arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
In fact, the concept of fasting for longevity has existed in ancient China. In order to live longer, ancient people created the theory of "abstaining from grains to nurture life," which essentially means fasting. Nowadays, our living standards are much higher than those of ancient times. We not only have refined rice and white flour to eat, but also lavish meals with abundant seafood and delicacies. Especially for middle-aged people, who have achieved success in their careers or hold leadership positions in organizations or companies, they may dine on gourmet food daily, unknowingly inviting diseases and shortening their lifespan.
Eating less is indeed a remedy for longevity. For the sake of our health and longevity, let's all eat less.
