A longevity researcher suggests this breakfast as an essential part of his life-extending diet.
Busting the Myth of a Sweet Morning
Ever thought that breakfast could be sabotaging your health? Eric Verdin, the head honcho at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, certainly does. He believes that a sugary breakfast - think cereal with a glass of OJ - is a no-go for longevity enthusiasts.
Why, you ask? Well, high blood sugar, a condition linked to metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes, is a major red flag. And added sugar, some longevity experts believe, may contribute to the aging process.
Verdin, who clocks in at 68 years, claims to have lowered his biological age significantly through a decade of lifestyle tweaks and dietary changes. Thanks to some fancy epigenetic blood tests and a Whoop smartwatch, he monitors his blood pressure and cholesterol levels to keep his health in check.
He swears by the Mediterranean diet - filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean proteins - as the key to living a long, healthy life. He steers clear of highly processed foods, considering them a no-no for those chasing longevity.
Why Avoid a Sweet Start?
Verdin is a firm believer in having a hearty breakfast, devoid of pastries, juice, or fruity yogurt. A sugary or carb-heavy meal on an empty stomach can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, setting the stage for energy crashes and cravings throughout the day.
While a surge in blood sugar after consuming carbs is normal and not always a concern, chronic high blood sugar can over time exacerbate inflammation, speed up the aging process, and boost the risk of chronic diseases.
The Researcher's Recommendation
So, what does Verdin fuel up on in the morning? A protein-rich, fiber-packed, healthy-fat-laden feast, of course! He starts his day with eggs, avocado, and salmon (smoked or cooked), accompanied by whole grain bread. The eggs and salmon provide filling proteins and healthy fats, while the whole grain bread and avocado contribute fiber, essential for gut health. It's a breakfast fit for a man who's proved age is just a number!
[1] https://www.cell.com/trends/genetics/fulltext/S0168-9525(20)30484-4[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11209074/[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2644173/[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7784246/
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[1] Aging enthusiasts are urged to reconsider their sugary breakfast habits, as highlighted by science and health-and-wellness experts, such as the head of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Eric Verdin. [2] High blood sugar levels, often associated with metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes, can have detrimental effects on health and wellness, potentially even contributing to the aging process. [3] Nutrition experts and fitness-and-exercise enthusiasts advocate for protein-rich, fiber-packed, and healthy-fat-laden breakfasts to maintain stable blood sugar levels, improve gut health, and support longevity goals. [4] With studies showing a link between diet and signs of aging, adopting a breakfast routine devoid of pastries, juice, or excessively carbohydrate-heavy options is considered beneficial for overall health and wellness in the context of aging. [5] Age-defying individuals like Eric Verdin, who have embraced health-conscious lifestyle choices and dietary changes, can attest to the role of a nutritious breakfast in promoting fitness-and-exercise performance, longevity, and healthy aging.
