Is Italian Cuisine Secretly Sabotaging Your Health?

While Italian cuisine offers options for a healthy, balanced diet, especially with roasted vegetables, experts suggest modern reality is changing the picture. Dr. Valter Longo, a world-renowned biologist and aging researcher, warns that young people in Italy are experiencing weight gain due to the increased consumption of five foods associated with Italian culture, which could be hazardous to health.

Longo, born in Italy and now leading the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California, cautions about the effects of the following foods:

Pizza – because of its high-calorie and fatty toppings; Pasta – served in large portions and accompanied by heavy sauces. Protein – mainly from animal sources, which Longo recommends reducing; Potatoes – especially in fried forms; Bread – when made from processed white flour.

According to him, "These foods are an integral part of traditional Italian cuisine, but excessive consumption will lead to serious health issues - obesity and chronic diseases."

Longo advocates for a Mediterranean diet, based on plant foods, healthy oils like olive oil and nuts. On his website, he offers healthy recipes such as stuffed artichokes and sardines in a light sauce. "It's possible to adopt a diet that not only contributes to longevity but also to a higher quality of life," he explained.

One of his standout recommendations is a fasting-mimicking diet, which limits calorie intake but allows the body to enjoy the health benefits of fasting without completely avoiding food. "The body knows how to renew itself under the right conditions. It's an excellent way to balance the need for energy with maintaining optimal health," he explained.

For those wanting to maintain their health while enjoying beloved foods, balance is key even in traditional dishes. "Italians can preserve their unique lifestyle, but they must do so wisely to ensure longevity alongside optimal health," he concluded.