Valter Longo, a leader in longevity research, emphasises that diet shapes our health and lifespan. With over 36 years in the field, he highlights how certain dietary strategies can rejuvenate cells, lower inflammation, and even enhance cancer treatment efficacy. While evidence from animal studies shows promise, further human clinical trials are necessary to understand these mechanisms clearly.
One of Longo’s most significant contributions is the fasting-mimicking diet (FMD), a structured five-day plan meant to harness the benefits of fasting. This plan features a blend of unsaturated fats while keeping overall calories, protein, and carbohydrates minimal. Following his guidance, practitioners fast for 12 hours daily, for example, eating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and fasting until 8 a.m. the next day.
Particularly for cancer patients, Longo recommends extending this daily fast to 14 hours across five-day cycles but warns against combining fasting with active chemotherapy. Citing a 2017 JAMA Oncology study, he notes that women with breast cancer who fasted for over 13 hours experienced a reduced risk of recurrence.
Longo’s second key dietary approach is the longevity diet, an amalgamation of practices from Okinawa and the Mediterranean regions. This diet promotes primarily plant-based ingredients, with an emphasis on vegetables over fruits. Core components include tree nuts, whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa, and legumes, with occasional fish consumption three to four times a week.
The longevity diet allows for modest protein intake while minimising cheese and completely avoiding red and most white meats, fostering a light approach to animal products. Following these two dietary paths can significantly enhance health and promote longevity, potentially reducing the risk of chronic conditions including cancer.
Valter Longo, an expert in longevity research, highlights the importance of diet for health and lifespan. He advocates for two key eating strategies: the fasting-mimicking diet, which involves structured fasting, and the longevity diet, rich in plant-based foods and healthy fats. Both diets promote cellular repair, reduced inflammation, and may decrease cancer risk.
In summary, a balanced diet is crucial for both health and longevity. Valter Longo’s fasting-mimicking diet and longevity diet offer powerful dietary strategies that can help repair cellular damage and reduce inflammation. Adopting these approaches, particularly for those with cancer, could improve overall health outcomes and extend quality of life, emphasising the value of thoughtful eating as we age.
Original Source: www.cnbc.com
