Calorie restriction generally refers to limiting dietary intake to about 60-70% of the usual amount while ensuring nutritional adequacy. This can help prevent aging and promote a healthy, long life.
The extension of lifespan through calorie restriction has been proven by animal experiments. Research by Japanese scholars indicates that for humans, calorie restriction can extend lifespan by 20%-30%. A 10-year survey in Japan found that among healthy centenarians, few showed signs of metabolic syndrome. These long-lived individuals did not start focusing on a "youthful" lifestyle in their 70s or 80s; instead, they had accumulated good health and vitality from their 40s and 50s. These long-lived individuals share three common traits: moderate diet, exercise, and a firm belief in life.
Japan is one of the world's leading longevity nations, which is no small part due to its historically restrained dietary habits. For people in other countries who eat as much as they want, the Japanese saying "hara hachi bu" (eat until your stomach is 80% full) is worthy of consideration, as the Japanese have long incorporated the mindset of calorie restriction into their eating lifestyles.