Lengthy earlier than Bryan Johnson grew to become well-known for his excessive biohacking—present process numerous exams, following strict consuming habits, and taking dozens of dietary supplements within the title of dwelling eternally—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 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 give attention to the Mediterranean eating regimen, walkability, and group. Sardinia, Italy, is without doubt one of the 5 authentic Blue Zones—areas the place individuals reside the longest, healthiest lives. Classes from the residents of Sardinia had 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 in the present day, “almost nobody in Italy eats the Mediterranean diet.”
Italy’s youth are going through weight problems due to what Longo calls the “poisonous five 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.
The best way to reverse it? Longo, writer of The Longevity Food regimen, 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 absolutely abstaining from meals. In response to Longo’s web site, the protocol features a eating regimen low in carbohydrates and protein and excessive in fatty acids. “The Fasting Mimicking Diet patented recipe allows your body to remain in a fasting like mode, which triggers a set of protectionist measures that the body has developed during natural selection,” his web site reads. “This allows the body to optimize its performance, rejuvenate its cells, and thrive under demanding circumstances.”
Analysis has discovered each advantages and downsides to intermittent fasting, however its continued recognition demonstrates the lengths individuals will go to within the hope of extending their lives.
A model of this story was initially printed on Fortune.com on November 20, 2024.
For extra on the longevity motion:
- Rich males are spending hundreds of thousands to decrease their organic ages and reside longer. These girls 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 individuals are dwelling the longest, happiest lives
This story was initially featured on Fortune.com
