The most important factor thus far discovered about extending healthful life is that of reducing calories. The problem is that the reduction is so drastic as to make life more distressing as the reduction is as much as 30%.

So we ask the questions--what is the effect upon the body during caloric restriction (CR) that extends life? The second question is-what foods if any, could cause the same beneficial effect, without drastically reducing calories? We should add that, at least in animals, some nutrients have already been shown to extend healthful life, if not the "big bang" of CR. We have already reported on carnosine and have more to add in the near future.

We asked around of our scientist-friends and contacts as well as perusing the medical and scientific literature about CR and what it does. Many responded that reducing oxygen radicals certainly plays a part.
And now there's Dr. Diane F. Birt, Chairperson of the Dept. of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State U., Ames. She has published numerous papers in respected, peer-reviewed journals. One such report (in the Journal of Nutrition) was entitled Protein Kinase C Activity Is Reduced in Epidermal 'skin] cells from Energy-Restricted Sencar Mice.

Protein Kinase C (PKC) is the prime signaling enzyme in our cells. It starts the process that results in summoning the immune system to attack our enemies (bacteria, viruses, molds, tumor cells.) The latter are, one could say, the enemy within us—transformed previously normal cells.

However, excessive PKC activity can result in inflammation, which plays an important role in heart disease and auto-immune diseases as Lupus, Arthritis, MS, etc.

The important point to realize is that PKC activity is an engine for destructive oxygen radicals. Many scientists believe that oxygen radicals, over time, cause DNA mutations that result in cancer. Since reducing PKC, if not the vital factor in extending healthful life, is certainly an important one.

IS THIS THE ANSWER?

So now we go to the second question--how do we safely reduce PKC? If we could do that, even if it turns out that this is not the absolute path to extending healthful life, we would be doing something to reduce the risk of most diseases.

Okay, wise guy--so how do we reduce PKC activity? That is not as difficult as it sounds. Green tea does reduce PKC activity. So does quercetin, a component in virtually all plant life*.

Would a cup of green tea bring on miracles? No, a cup a day will not do a thing, much less perform miracles. Judging by the studies of Dr. Fujiki in Cancer Research journal and others, effectiveness in reducing disease came with multiple cups. We would estimate that at least five cups a day containing a tablespoon of loose tea per cup would be required for positive effects, if any. Forget the one tea bag. Use two at least per cup.