Discover the “poisonous 5P's” that anti-aging experts say you MUST avoid for a longer life!

In the quest for the fountain of youth, we often find ourselves overwhelmed with the latest trends and fads promising to extend our lives and enhance our vitality.

But what if the secret to longevity isn't found in a bottle or a pill, but in the very choices we make at our dining tables?



This is the message from one of the world's top anti-aging experts, who warns against the “poisonous 5 P's”—a variety of dietary pitfalls that could be shortening our lives.

Prior to the popularity of biohacking due to the efforts of Bryan Johnson—the 45-year old CEO who wants to live forever–there was Valter Longo who was focused on achieving longevity.

Longo, professor of gerontology and director of the USC Longevity Institute in California, aims to live up to 130 healthy years free of disease, instead of just focusing on the lifespan.


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What should we avoid to live a long life? Image source: Pexels.



Italy, a country synonymous with robust health and longevity, has long been admired for its Mediterranean lifestyle. The traditional diet, rich in plant-based foods, healthy fats, and lean proteins, has been a cornerstone of Italian culture.

However, Longo has observed a troubling trend, pointing out that “almost nobody in Italy eats this Mediterranean diet.” The younger generation in Italy is increasingly turning away from this heritage, succumbing to the allure of the “Poisonous 5 P's”: pizza, pasta, protein, potatoes, and pane (bread).

These foods, while not inherently harmful, can become detrimental when consumed in excess and without the balance of the Mediterranean diet's other components, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, and fish.

The result? A rise in many health issues that could compromise the quality and length of life for many Italians.



Longo, who has authored The Longevity Diet, advocates for a return to the original Mediterranean diet, emphasizing the importance of plant-based meals and nuts.

On his website, he shares recipes that hark back to a time when food was both nourishing and life-extending consisting of plant-based foods and nuts.

Dishes like sweet and sour sardines, stuffed artichokes, cabbage patties, and onions in walnut sauce are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that support a long and healthy life.

Another intriguing concept Longo champions is the fasting-mimicking diet (FMD). This approach involves a temporary reduction in calorie intake to trigger the body's natural protective mechanisms, akin to the benefits of traditional fasting, without the need to completely abstain from food.



According to Longo, “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.”

It is designed to be low in carbohydrates and proteins while being high in good fats, encouraging the body to optimize its performance and rejuvenate its cells.

While research continues to explore the potential benefits and drawbacks, the popularity of these dietary strategies reflects a growing desire to find natural ways to extend health span and, ultimately, lifespan.

If you want to hear about a person’s actual experience of living a long life, you might want to check out the story of Elizabeth Francis, the woman who lived 115 years!

Key Takeaways

  • Professor Valter Longo, a top anti-aging expert and director of the USC Longevity Institute, aims for a healthy life of 120 to 130 years, focusing on health span over life span.
  • Longo warns against the “poisonous five P's” - pizza, pasta, protein, potatoes, and pane (bread) - that contribute to obesity and may hinder healthy living in Italy.
  • He advocates for a return to the original Mediterranean diet, which is plant-based and includes nuts, along with his own longevity recipes available online.
  • Longo also supports the concept of faux fasting or a fasting-mimicking diet, which is designed to provide the benefits of fasting without complete abstention from food, and has a patented recipe that supports the body in a fasting-like state.


Source: ABC15 Arizona / Youtube​


Have you tried incorporating elements of the Mediterranean diet into your routine? Are you curious about fasting-mimicking diets or other longevity practices? Share your experiences, questions, and thoughts in the comments below!
 

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