Lengthy earlier than Bryan Johnson turned well-known for his excessive biohacking—present process numerous exams, following strict consuming habits, and taking dozens of dietary supplements within the identify of residing perpetually—Valter Longo was obsessive about longevity.
In a current profile of the scientist within the New York Instances, Longo, who’s a professor of gerontology and director of the USC Longevity Institute in California, says he needs to reside 120 to 130 wholesome years. His drive for longevity aligns with a rising curiosity in extending well being span, the variety of years lived freed from illness, versus life span—which refers back to the variety of years lived.
The Italian life-style has lengthy been thought-about the gold normal for longevity, with the concentrate on the Mediterranean eating regimen, walkability, and neighborhood. Sardinia, Italy, is without doubt one of the 5 authentic Blue Zones—the place folks reside the longest, healthiest lives. Classes from the residents of Sardinia had been the main target of one of many episodes of Dan Buettner’s current Netflix documentary, Residing to 100.
Longo, who was born and raised in Italy, factors out that at present, “Nearly no person in Italy eats the Mediterranean eating regimen.”
Italy’s youth are dealing with weight problems due to what Longo calls the “toxic 5 P’s—pizza, pasta, protein, potatoes, and pane (or bread),” Jason Horowitz writes. Longo fears Italians will reside lengthy however not healthfully if this sample continues to dominate the tradition.
Tips on how to reverse it? Longo, creator of The Longevity Weight loss program, is a proponent of the unique Mediterranean eating regimen, which consists of plant-based meals and nuts. He has his personal recipes for longevity on his web site, which embody candy and bitter sardines, stuffed artichokes, cabbage patties, and onions in walnut sauce.
He additionally champions one other comparatively new idea within the house—fake fasting or a fasting-mimicking eating regimen. This refers to limiting meals consumption, which is meant to assist the physique reap the advantages of fasting with out totally abstaining from meals. In keeping with Longo’s web site, the protocol features a eating regimen low in carbohydrates and protein and excessive in fatty acids. “The Fasting Mimicking Weight loss program patented recipe permits your physique to stay in a fasting like mode, which triggers a set of protectionist measures that the physique has developed throughout pure choice,” his website reads. “This permits the physique to optimize its efficiency, rejuvenate its cells, and thrive below demanding circumstances.”
Analysis has discovered each advantages and downsides to intermittent fasting, however its continued reputation demonstrates the lengths folks will go to with the hope of extending their lives.
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