Researchers Have Identified The Diet to Follow if You Want to Live as Long as Possible

Depending on the genes you were dealt, your body could be destined for a long, healthy future.

Your fate is not etched in stone. The way you eat could affect how many days you see in a good constitution.

Valter Longo is a gerontologist from the University of Southern California and he believes that there is an optimal formula to fast and diet.

Longo and Anderson looked at literature on longevity and nutrition in a variety of living things, relating it all back to our own species.

Longo says they explored the link between genes and longevity in short-lived species and connected it to clinical and epidemiological studies.

A single prescribed method of eating is not likely to become a one-size-fits-all approach. Differences in genes and stages of development will determine the risks and benefits of different food items.

If you're older than 65, you might need to add a little more meat to your diet to make sure you have enough to eat.

Tailoring these needs to specific individuals can be done by working with a healthcare provider.

A healthcare industry needs to be informed by a scientific consensus on the specifics of good diet, which is something that is weighed down by controversy and debate.

The study of existing literature by Longo and Anderson aims to provide a solid foundation for ongoing research into the field of longevity diet, one that could move the discussion and provide healthcare specialists with an evidence-based diet that really will deliver longer lives.

While more research is needed to determine the details, the kinds of food items we might want to focus on in our shopping lists are already fairly clear.

According to Longo, a good amount of non-refined carbs, plant-based proteins and enough plant-based fats to meet just under a third of your energy needs is just the ticket you need.

Longo says that there are lots of vegetables, whole grains, and fish, low sugar and refined grains, and good levels of nuts and olive oil.

Those who want to enjoy their twilight years need to plan when to eat. Timing meals to occur within a twelve-hour window while slotting in a five-day cycle of fasting every three to four months will help keep blood pressure in check.

Longo has an ownership interest in a company that makes food products that mimic fast food, so it is important to take such research with a grain of iodized salt.

If we want to avoid hitting the grave early, we should limit red meats, ramp up our plant proteins, and forgo meals every now and then.

Longo and Anderson's research may be a good option for those who are very interested in seeing every sunrise.

Longo says that by adopting an approach based on over a century of research, we can begin to define a longevity diet that represents a solid foundation for nutrition recommendations.

Cell published this research.