Ketogenic diets could slow aging research suggests

Ketogenic diets could slow aging, new research suggests.

Following low-carb, high-fat eating plans may prevent age-related conditions, such as heart disease, Alzheimer's and even cancer, according to researchers.

During carbohydrate 'starvation', the body releases a chemical, known as β-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB), which protects cells from 'internal stress', a study found.

Such stress is linked to genetic damage in cells, which can cause ageing, the research adds.

Study author Dr Katerina Akassoglou from the Gladstone Institute for Virology and Immunology in San Francisco, said: 'The findings could be relevant for a wide range of neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, autism and traumatic brain injury.

'[These] diseases afflict millions and there are few treatment options.'

The Keto diet, which is favored by the likes of Halle Berry, forces the body to burn fat, rather than carbohydrates, for energy, which effectively starves it of carbs but not calories.

More