Reducing calorie intake can have positive effects on metabolism, promoting cell maintenance and slowing the aging process. Adjusting meal times to experience longer periods of hunger while consuming the same calories can have similar outcomes. Research suggests that the amount of time spent in a state of hunger plays a crucial role in the benefits of calorie restriction. Additionally, time-restricted eating and intermittent fasting have shown potential health benefits, including improved metabolic health and longevity. These approaches may also enhance cognitive function and mental health in older adults by improving glucose metabolism, inflammation, and neuroplasticity.
A systematic review on the effects of time-restricted eating and intermittent fasting on cognitive function and mental health in older adults highlights the potential benefits of these dietary approaches. Time-restricted eating focuses on eating within a restricted time frame daily, while intermittent fasting involves cycling between periods of food consumption and fasting. Both approaches have shown improvements in metabolic health and have been linked to increased longevity. Studies suggest that these practices may have positive effects on cognitive function and mental health by improving glucose metabolism, inflammation, and neuroplasticity. However, the relationship between fasting interventions and cognitive function in older adults is complex and influenced by various factors, including the duration and timing of the eating window.
