You may live longer if you reduce your caloric intake.

According to new research, aging as well as age related diseases can be slowed if caloric intake is reduced.

Researchers at University of Gothenburg found that reduction of caloric intake slows down the inactivation process of key enzyme peroxiredoxin 1, (Prx1). Prx1 play an important role in eliminating peroxides generated during metabolism, according to a study published in the scientific journal Molecular Cell.

"This enzyme is also extremely important in counteracting damage to our genetic material," said Dr. Mikael Molin of the department of Cell and Molecular Biology.

In the animal study, researchers found reducing caloric intake such as sugar and protein, without the reduction in minerals and vitamins, shows that monkeys can live several years longer than expected. These results were found repeated in fish, rats, fungi and flies.

Researchers were surprised to find that reduction in caloric intake delayed the development of age-related diseases such as type II diabetes and cancer.

Researchers were able to identify enzyme Prx1 by using yeast cells as a model. The Prx1 enzyme is required for caloric restriction to work effectively.

Previous research has shown that prx1, when damaged during aging, losses its activity. Caloric restriction counteracts this by increasing the production of another enzyme Srx1 which repairs Prx1.

"Impaired Prx1 function leads to various types of genetic defects and cancer. Conversely, we can now speculate whether increased repair of Prx1 during aging can counteract, or at least delay, the development of cancer," said Molin.

Peroxiredoxins have been linked to preventing proteins from being damaged and aggregating, a process linked to age-related diseases.

Researchers are considering if stimulation of Prx1 may delay and reduce disease processes related to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.