Reducing the calories that people eat is often the best way to lose those unwanted pounds. But a study conducted by Mikael Molin of the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology states that a person consuming less calories can also live a longer life.

According to Molin, by consuming less calories, ageing can be slowed down, in addition, can delay the risk of age-related diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes.

However, to do this entails reducing the intake of sugar and proteins while still maintaining the amount of vitamins and minerals.

In Molin's study, his team at the University of Gothenburg has identified the enzyme peroxiredoxin 1, or Prx1, which is essential for caloric restriction to work effectively. But Prx1 is damaged during aging and loses its effectivity in breaking down harmful hydrogen peroxide in the cells. But with calorie restriction, another enzyme is produced - Srx1, which repairs Prx1.

"Impaired Prx1 function leads to various types of genetic defects and cancer. Conversely, we can now speculate whether increased repair of Prx1 during ageing can counteract, or at least, delay the development of cancer," said Molin.

The study entails the difficult task of reducing the calories that one eats to achieve those benefits. Reducing calories is risky and should not be done hastily and without proper guidance.

When not done properly, calorie restriction can lead to nutrient deficiencies and to chronic health problems. Malnourishment could lead to hair loss, skin irritation, muscle cramps, menstrual problems and a lot more. In addition to these, reducing one's calorie intake can damage the metabolism.

Before undergoing a calorie restriction, it would be good to remember that reducing calories by at least 500 would be enough, and that 1,000 calories would be too much, reported BMI-Calculator. The American College of Sports and Medicine suggests that calorie levels should never drop below 1,200 a day for women, and 1,800 calories a day for men -figures that are still quite low.