Since prehistoric times, humanity’s greatest battle has been with the reality of ‘death’. Many people have sought ways to defy death; A lot of research has been done in order to live for many years in a healthy way, if not forever. In fact, this search, which is the subject of many ancient texts such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, has come to the fore as one of the goals of alchemy, which laid the foundations of chemistry.
If we leave dreams of immortality aside, the secret of a healthy life that will last for many years is hidden in our genes. But genes alone are not enough to live a long life. In addition to our genes, our diet also plays an extremely active role in our long-term healthy life. According to a new study, a long and healthy life can be possible with a specific nutritional formula.
Our individual differences play a decisive role in the way we eat
According to Gerontologist Valter Longo of the University of Southern California in the USA, it is optimal for fasting and dieting. Applying a formula may be our best shot at maximizing our individual lifespans. Wanting to find out how this formula might work, Longo and her University of Wisconsin colleague Rozalyn Anderson searched the literature on longevity and nutrition in various creatures and linked them all to our own species.
Examining the links between nutrients, hunger, genes and longevity in short-lived species, the team correlated these links with clinical and epidemiological studies in primates and humans, including centenarians.
At this point, of course, it is not possible to accept a single feeding method as an approach that is valid for every body structure. Just as variations in dietary habits bring a range of pros and cons for the health of other species, from simple microbes to earthworms to mammals like ourselves, our individual differences in genes and developmental stages determine the risks and benefits of different foodstuffs. For example, people older than 65 may need to add a little more protein to their diet to reduce their body mass and guard against increasing frailty.
For a long and healthy life, it is necessary to eliminate red meat from our lives
The most effective way to determine what these needs are according to individuals is a health specialist who is an expert in the field. to work with. However, for this, a health industry should be informed about the characteristics of good nutrition with a scientific consensus, which can be said to be exactly the purpose of the new research and many older studies.
Longo and Anderson’s review of the available literature aims to provide a solid foundation for ongoing research in the field of longevity diets that can spark debate on this topic, and to provide healthcare professionals with an evidence-based diet that can actually lead to longer lifespan. While more research is needed to pinpoint the details of such a diet, the new research makes it pretty clear the types of foods we should focus on in our diet.
According to Longo, a good amount of unrefined carbohydrates, plant-based proteins, and adequate plant-based fats are just the basis of the nutrition you need to meet approximately one-third of your energy needs.
On the subject, Longo states that such a diet includes many legumes, whole grains, and vegetables; adequate levels of low sugar, refined grains, nuts and olive oil; states that it includes some fish and dark chocolate. On the other hand, Longo adds that there is no place for red meat and processed meat in the diet, while white meat is sufficient at a low level.
When and how we eat is as important as what we eat
If we want to live healthy for many years, in addition to what we eat, how and when we eat what we eat is also important. it matters. Accordingly, scheduling feeding to occur within a 12-hour timeframe, engaging in a five-day fasting cycle every three to four months, helps keep blood pressure in check and lower the risks of insulin resistance.
Regarding research, Longo states that by adopting an approach based on numerous studies over more than a century, a longevity diet can be defined that provides a solid foundation for nutritional recommendations and future research. In summary, limiting red meat consumption, increasing vegetable protein intake and keeping distance from meals with occasional short-term fasts; seems like the key to a long and healthy life.
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