Adopt keto diet for long life

Consuming a ketogenic diet -- which is high fat, low protein, and low carbohydrates -- may not only help in weight loss, but also increase longevity and improve physical strength, says a recent study.

The study, conducted on mice models, showed a 13 per cent increase in median life span for the mice on a high fat versus high carbohydrate diet. "In humans, that would be seven to 10 years. But equally important, those mice retained quality of health in later life," said nutritionist Jon Ramsey from the University of California - Davis.

In addition, the ketogenic diet increased memory and motor function (strength and coordination), and prevented an increase in age-related markers of inflammation. It also had an impact on the incidence of tumours as well, the researchers said.

According to the study, detailed in the journal Cell Metabolism, eating a ketogenic diet ramps up the production of the ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate acid (BHB), which helps improve memory and increases lifespan.