(ORDO NEWS) — Depending on which genes you end up with, your body could be doomed to a long, healthy future that stretches for decades to come.
Of course, your destiny is not set in stone. The diet you eat and how you eat it can determine how many of those prescribed days you get in good shape.
Gerontologist Walter Longo of the University of Southern California in the US is convinced that there is an optimal fasting and diet formula that can give us the best chance of maximizing lifespan.
To get an idea of what this formula might look like, Longo and his colleague Rosalyn Anderson of the University of Wisconsin studied the literature on the lifespan and nutrition of various living things, relating all this to our species.
“We have studied the relationship between nutrients, starvation, genes, and longevity in short-lived species and linked these associations to clinical and epidemiological studies in primates and humans, including centenarians,” says Longo.
Of course, a single prescribed method of eating is unlikely to ever become a one-size-fits-all approach. In the same way that variations in eating habits create many pros and cons for the health of other species, from simple microbes, worms to mammals like us, our own differences in genes and developmental stages will determine the risks and benefits of different foods.
For example, people over the age of 65 may want to add a little more protein to their diet to provide the body with enough material to build on falling body weight and protect against growing fragility.
Working with a healthcare professional is the best way to tailor these needs to specific individuals.
But public health must be based on a scientific consensus on the characteristics of proper nutrition, and there is a lot of controversy and debate on this issue.
Longo and Anderson’s study of the existing literature aims to provide a solid foundation for ongoing research into longevity diets that could move the debate forward and provide health care professionals with a science-based diet that will actually lead to a longer life.
While more research is needed to determine the details (Longo is already planning one), the types of products we could look at on our shopping lists are pretty clear already.
According to Longo, enough unrefined carbohydrates, plant-based proteins, and plant-based fats to meet just under a third of your energy needs is what you need.
“Lots of legumes, whole grains and vegetables; some fish; no red meat or processed meat and very little white meat; little sugar and refined grains; good amounts of nuts and olive oil, and some dark chocolate,” says Longo.
In addition to what’s on the plate, those who want to enjoy their twilight also need to plan their meal times. Twelve-hour eating times and a five-day fast cycle every three to four months will also help control blood pressure and reduce the risk of insulin resistance.
It should be noted that Longo has a stake in a company that manufactures food products that mimic fasting, so such studies should be treated with a share of iodized salt.
However, there is nothing controversial about the recommendation to limit red meat, increase plant proteins, and occasionally cut back on food if we are to avoid premature descent into the grave.
For those who really want to see all possible sunrises, Longo and Anderson’s study can be a great option to get acquainted with nutrition.
“By taking an approach based on over a century of research, we can begin to define a longevity diet that provides a solid foundation for nutritional advice and future research,” says Longo.
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