P042

Passage 42   Monkeys That Eat Less Live Longer

A study of monkeys over a twenty-year period suggests that eating less may extend life and prevent disease. American researchers said they believe their findings could apply to people as well.

Half of the monkeys were permitted to eat as much as they wanted. The other half ate a controlled diet.

The researchers found that thirty-seven percent of the monkeys that ate as much as they wanted had died of causes related to aging after twenty years. In comparison, only thirteen percent of the monkeys on restricted diets had died.

Extended life was not the only observable difference between the two groups. The monkeys that ate less bad half the amount of heart disease and cancer.

In addition, there is also a difference in the appearance. The monkeys that ale less look younger and healthier than fatter monkeys on a normal diet.

The researchers say this study is not complete and that they will continue to observe the remaining monkeys throughout their lives. (163 words)