Is a fast metabolism good for longevity? The complex link between metabolic rate and aging
For over a century, the 'rate-of-living' theory suggested that a fast metabolism burns through an organism's life force faster, leading to a shorter lifespan. However, modern scientific evidence paints a far more nuanced picture, showing that simply having a fast metabolism is not necessarily good for longevity and may even have drawbacks if it is excessively high due to cellular stress. The relationship is complex, involving genetics, lifestyle, and how efficiently the body uses its energy.