Numerous studies have shown that caloric restriction or intermittent fasting can prolong the lives of rats and other animals, but the debate over its effectiveness in humans goes on,9 despite the fact that most of us would find a semi-starved life not worth living. If I can discern a general rule, it is governed by deprivation: Anything you like to eat—because it is, for example, fatty, salty, or sweet—should probably be put aside now in the interests of successful aging.
