April 22, 2004 (from HeartCenterOnline) - A strict low-calorie diet is very effective in reducing the long-term risk of atherosclerosis, a new study shows. Furthermore, calorie restriction appeared to reduce the incidence of diabetes and lowered blood pressure.
The researchers, from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis*, reported their findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study found that people who ate less nutrient rich food, while still maintaining proper nutrition, dramatically reduced the incidence of atherosclerosis, as well as lowering blood pressure and the risk of diabetes.
Participants in the study ate 10 to 25 percent fewer calories as compared to the average American. Most of the participants were female, aged 32 to 85 years, and had been on a strict diet for between 3 and 15 years.
Previous studies have shown that restricting calories while maintaining good nutrition appeared to slow the aging process in animals. In this latest study, the researchers concluded that long-term calorie restriction appears to have a powerful protective effect against atherosclerosis.
*Barnes-Jewish Hospital is the adult teaching for Washington University School of Medicine.