Eating fewer calories each day may help individuals support their brain health, according to a new study from a team of Italian researchers.

The study showed that caloric restriction turns on a molecule called CREB1. Numerous studies have shown that this protein plays an active role in the preservation of brain cells, thereby supporting healthy brain function into old age.

The researchers said that there is a well-established link between obesity and poor brain function. The new findings obtained from the present study, which was carried out in mice, may help explain this phenomenon.

"Thus, our findings identify for the first time an important mediator of the effects of diet on the brain," said Dr. Giovambattista Pani, who led the study. "This discovery has important implications to develop future therapies to keep our brain young."

While restricting calories is important to attaining these benefits, that does not mean that individuals should consume less food. It simply means they should choose more nutritious options that are full of vitamins and antioxidants in order to put their daily calorie allotment to best use.