Severely limiting how many calories you eat may combat heart disease and even extend your life, research suggests. But don’t try it when you’re young or your muscles may pay the price.
In a new study conducted in China, the calorie intake of young and middle-aged rats was cut by 40%. And, surprise: Young rats lost muscle mass, but older rats kept it, along with a more youthful metabolism. In short, they got to kick some young mouse ass for a while.
So wait till midlife to test extreme calorie reduction; and even then, cut no more than 35%—a 40% drop isn’t recommended for humans (not even supermodels).
Source: Mens Fitness