Lengthy earlier than Bryan Johnson turned well-known for his excessive biohacking—present process numerous assessments, following strict consuming habits, and taking dozens of dietary supplements within the title of residing perpetually—Valter Longo was obsessive about longevity.
In a profile of the scientist within the New York Instances, Longo, a professor of gerontology and director of the USC Longevity Institute in California, says he desires 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 deal with the Mediterranean food plan, walkability, and neighborhood. Sardinia, Italy, is likely one of the 5 unique Blue Zones—areas the place folks reside the longest, healthiest lives. Classes from the residents of Sardinia have been the main focus of one of many episodes of Dan Buettner’s Netflix documentary Dwelling to 100.
Longo, who was born and raised in Italy, factors out that as we speak, “nearly no one in Italy eats the Mediterranean food plan.”
Italy’s youth are going through weight problems due to what Longo calls the “toxic 5 P’s—pizza, pasta, protein, potatoes, and pane (or bread),” Jason Horowitz writes within the NYT. Longo fears Italians will reside lengthy however not healthfully if this sample continues to dominate the tradition.
Tips on how to reverse it? Longo, writer of The Longevity Weight loss plan, is a proponent of the unique Mediterranean food plan, which consists of plant-based meals and nuts. He has his personal recipes for longevity on his web site, which embrace 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 food plan. 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 response to Longo’s web site, the protocol features a food plan low in carbohydrates and protein and excessive in fatty acids. “The Fasting Mimicking Weight loss plan 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 enables the physique to optimize its efficiency, rejuvenate its cells, and thrive underneath demanding circumstances.”
Analysis has discovered each advantages and disadvantages to intermittent fasting, however its continued recognition demonstrates the lengths folks will go to within the hope of extending their lives.
A model of this story was initially revealed on Fortune.com on November 20, 2024.
For extra on the longevity motion:
- Rich males are spending thousands and thousands to decrease their organic ages and reside longer. These ladies are reducing their organic age with cheaper options
- Will you reside to 150? Right here’s what 5 geneticists and getting old researchers say
- Transfer over, pina coladas: Get Botox and stem cells on this luxurious wellness cruise
- The longevity secrets and techniques of Singapore, the sixth blue zone metropolis the place persons are residing the longest, happiest lives
This story was initially featured on Fortune.com
