Message #262702

[Jennifer Murdoch]

 Earlier this year academics from the University of Southern California found that a five day diet which mimics fasting can slow down ageing, add years to life, boost the immune system and cut the risk of heart disease and cancer.

The plan restricts calories to between one third and a half of normal intake.

Last year the same team discovered that fasting can regenerate the entire immune system, bringing a host of long-term health benefits.

When humans tested out the regimen, within three months they had reduced biomarkers linked to ageing, diabetes, cancer and heart disease as well as cutting overall body fat.

The researchers think it works by slashing a hormone which encourages growth, and has been linked to cancer susceptibility. Essentially it tricks the body into ageing more slowly.

The new study was published in the journal Cell Metabolism.