Longevity is the latest buzzword that has captured the attention of people worldwide. Whether it’s Bryan Johnson, who has made never dying a mission, or David Sinclair, a Harvard professor who researches genetics and ageing, the longevity space is growing faster than ever before. Worldwide, the interest in longevity is on rise, with aging population and people wanting to improve quality of life. Longevity fads aside, simple lifestyle changes can yield better and long-lasting results, as per wellness experts.
In a new post, French biochemist Jessie Inchauspé who goes by the moniker Glucose Goddess, shared the simple lifestyle secret behind longevity that anyone can follow, and something that our ancestors have long followed.
The simple lifestyle change that extends lifespan
In the video posted on social media, the expert who regularly shares science-backed tips to manage blood sugar levels, says that, unlike popular belief, it’s not fasting, but physical movement that could extend lifespan.
While the National Institutes of Health says Intermittent Fasting can help reverse cellular ageing, what is more effective is exercising regularly which can add 7 to 10 years to life.
Backed by science
The age-old wisdom that movement can help improve several aspects of well-being is backed by science. According to PubMed Central, physical activity can reduce mortality risk factors like arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, stroke, and cancer, decreasing all-cause mortality by about 30% to 35%.
“For a long time, people believed that fasting or caloric restriction extends your lifespan. Thanks to the studies on monkeys we know that’s not the case. The data is not so conclusive. Fasting does not automatically lead to longer lifespan at all,” shares the expert busting a popular myth.
Inchauspé says the best thing to do if you want to live longer is exercise.
‘Fasting is not a magic bullet’
“Studies show us that if we exercise regularly we can live up to seven to 10 years longer than somebody who does not exercise. So if you want to live longer, the first thing you need to do is exercise three times a week. That is the solution. Fasting is not nearly as powerful as exercise,” she says.
“Fasting is not a magic bullet. Thanks to 25-year long studies on monkeys that started in the 80s, we know that if monkeys eat an unhealthy diet, then fasting makes them live longer. BUT when they already eat a healthy diet, fasting makes no difference at all to their lifespan,” she adds.
Disclaimer: Always consult a doctor before starting any diet or fitness routine. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.