ELi5: What is the theory of how calorie restriction yet still getting enough nutrients to survive actually prolongs lifespan? (In rats)

Question

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304416509000385

In: Biology

Answer 1

As I understand it the ‘miracle cure’ part of it is a thing called autophagy. That’s a little bit like the garbage trucks of your body, going round and taking away all of the damaged cells and general waste, off to the recycling plant. And the result is that you live better and longer with fewer damaged cells around screwing things up.