We believe that such a significant increase in longevity is due to the protective effect against cancer produced by caloric restriction - incidences fall by 40 percent if we compare them with the mice that produce more telomerase and have a normal diet - and, added to the presence of longer telomeres, this makes the mice live longer and better.

In this quote, María Blasco Marhuenda discusses findings related to the effects of caloric restriction on the lifespan and health of mice, particularly in relation to cancer. She suggests that reducing caloric intake in mice has a protective effect against cancer, with incidences of the disease dropping by 40 percent compared to mice that have a normal diet and higher levels of telomerase. Telomerase is an enzyme that helps maintain the length of telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with age.

Blasco's research points to the dual benefits of caloric restriction: not only does it reduce the risk of cancer, but it also helps maintain longer telomeres. Longer telomeres are associated with healthier aging and may contribute to longevity by protecting cells from the damage caused by oxidative stress and cellular aging. The combination of caloric restriction and longer telomeres in the study suggests that these mice not only live longer, but also healthier lives compared to those with normal diets.

The reference to the comparison between mice with normal diets and those that produce more telomerase underscores the relationship between diet and genetics in determining lifespan and disease susceptibility. By introducing caloric restriction, the researchers found a clear connection between diet and both cancer prevention and cellular health, demonstrating that diet can play a significant role in longevity.

Ultimately, Blasco's quote highlights the potential of caloric restriction as a strategy for promoting healthspan—the period of life spent in good health—by reducing the risk of diseases like cancer and slowing the aging process through mechanisms such as telomere preservation. Her findings suggest that dietary changes can have profound impacts on both lifespan and quality of life, extending beyond mere calorie reduction to influencing fundamental biological processes.