Protein, Fasting, Cancer, and Longevity - with Valter Longo, PhD | The Proof Podcast EP 237

In Episode 237, I’m joined by Dr Valter Longo for an exploration of protein, cancer, the fasting-mimicking diet, IGF-1, and mTOR. 👇 Visit The Proof website for supporting studies and the full show notes 👇 Regular listeners of The Proof will know that protein is frequently featured in episodes. As an area of nutrition where the scientific community is split, I am interested in digging into the specifics of each viewpoint – and most importantly, the evidence behind each one. Highly requested guest, Dr Valter Longo, returns to the show today to share his position on this contentious topic. Dr Valter Longo is the Edna M. Jones Professor of Gerontology and Biological Sciences and Director of the Longevity Institute at the USC Leonard David School of Gerontology, one of the leading centres for research on aging and age-related disease. Dr Longo is also the Director of the Longevity and Cancer Program at the IFOM Institute of Molecular Oncology in Milan, Italy. His studies focus on the fundamental mechanisms of aging in simple organisms and mice, and on how these mechanisms can be translated to humans. With extensive education and a prominent career, Dr Longo brings an incredibly interesting perspective to today’s conversation. In this episode, we zoom in on terms that have become buzzwords in the protein space, including IGF-1 and mTOR. We discuss protein requirements for different ages, muscle tissue importance, benefits of protein consumption, and potential risks. We also cover the fasting-mimicking diet for both regular folks and as an adjunct cancer treatment. Specifically, we discuss: 0:00 intro 2:58 Ideal diets for longevity 9:15 Important Pathways for aging 16:24 IGF1 Elevation 19:46 Actue vs Chronic elevation of IGF1 25:11 Danger of Protein Over Consumption 32:52 Impact of exercise on IGF1 38:35 Muscle Mass and Longevity 41:59 Study on High Protein Later in Life 48:03 How to get IGF1 tested 49:54 Low IGF1 & Cognitive Decline 53:00 Resistance to IGF1 54:38 Mendelian Randomization Studies 59:21 Fasting Mimicking Diet 1:16:03 Fasting and Cancer 1:27:51 Ketogenic Diet & Cancer 1:32:15 Outro I appreciate having Dr Longo on the show today and hearing yet another perspective on protein, plus much more interesting research and insights. I hope you found this conversation interesting and informative as part of The Proof’s exploration on protein. If you’re feeling confused or overwhelmed by the amount of information (and partially conflicting stances) The Proof has covered lately, don’t fret – I will be releasing a recap and evaluation of this learning soon. Make sure to follow the Proof on Instagram: • @theproof: • @simonhill: • YouTube: for the most detailed episode experience. Connect with Dr Valter Longo: • Instagram: • Facebook: • Website: • His book, The Longevity Diet: • Dr Longo’s previous appearance on *The Proof* Episode 106: The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit Enjoy, friends. Simon ==== Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit • The Proof with Simon Hill - • Book: The Proof is in the Plants - • Apple Podcast - • Spotify - • Instagram - • Twitter - • Facebook - • Two week meal plan - • Plant Performance - • Use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit