Experts reveal if this diet add 10 years to your life in 21 days

The Mediterranean diet has been hailed as one of healthiest around for those wanting to live a longer life.

But now a new way to eat is doing the rounds, the Pioppi diet, which claims to add 10 years to your life in just 21 days.

The diet, adapted by cardiologist Dr Aseem Malhotra and former athlete Donal O’Neill, was developed out of the small Italian town Pioppi.

The town has been dubbed the ‘world’s healthiest village’ because residents live until they’re 100 years old on average – a life expectancy that is 10 years longer than anywhere else in the world.

The Pioppi diet, similar to the Mediterranean diet, claims it can add 10 years to your life in 21 days (stock image)

It is a higher-fat diet that encourages its followers to eat lots of vegetables, nuts, legumes, and fish (preferably oily) and discourages them from eating red meat, starchy carbohydrates, and sweet treats.

In many ways, it is similar to the Mediterranean diet as it follows a lot of the same rules and guidelines.

The Pioppi diet involves starting each day with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, which is thought to aid acid reflux, lower blood pressure and boost weight loss.

The diet includes eggs most days, which are a good source of protein for keeping hunger pangs at bay

The diet includes eggs most days, which are a good source of protein for keeping hunger pangs at bay

It also includes eggs most days – a good source of protein for keeping hunger pangs at bay – and involves intermittent fasting.

This is done by limiting your ‘eating window’ to just eight-to-nine hours a day. 

Red wine is permitted providing it is good quality as is a small amount of dark chocolate.

While the diet promotes some healthy nutritional practices, its claimed benefits are causing some debate among experts.

Australian nutritionist Lyndi Cohen (pictured) said there were some great aspects to the diet including a balance of healthy foods. But she questioned its lack of carbs

Australian nutritionist Lyndi Cohen (pictured) said there were some great aspects to the diet including a balance of healthy foods. But she questioned its lack of carbs

Speaking to FEMAIL, Australian nutritionist Lyndi Cohen said there were some great aspects to the diet as it encouraged eating plenty of vegetables, fish and healthy fats from sources like nuts, seeds and olive oil.

A typical day on the Pioppi Diet:

No breakfast: Only coffee with coconut cream

Brunch: Two or three-egg mushroom omelette. Coffee with coconut cream

Afternoon snack: Tinned oysters; full-fat Greek yoghurt with berries; a handful of nuts and cinnamon 

Dinner option: Picanha steak (a superb Brazilian cut) served with creamed spinach and avocado side salad; two squares of dark chocolate (95 per cent cocoa solids); a cup of Earl Grey tea 

‘It’s wonderful that the Pioppi Diet also talks about the importance of low-stress levels,’ she said.

‘We know that high stress has a huge impact on hormone levels which can impact mood, sleep, energy, sex drive and feelings of wellbeing.’

The expert said healthy diets should also include a balance of foods, and it was good to see one where there was room for small indulgences.

Ms Cohen was also quick to point out the diet also had some flaws.

‘This diet demonises all carbohydrates, including unprocessed whole grains,’ she said.

‘Research shows that cutting out all carbs leads to mood swings, a drop in energy levels and tends to be a recipe for feeling deprived and hungry.’ 

Full cream daily is a feature of the Pioppi diet. A typical afternoon snack might include Greek yoghurt with berries (stock image)

Full cream daily is a feature of the Pioppi diet. A typical afternoon snack might include Greek yoghurt with berries (stock image)

She said the problem with cutting out whole food groups was that generally, this was unsustainable over the long term.

‘Even if you did lose weight on this diet, you would regain it as soon as you reintroduce the foods you had cut out.

‘The question people need to ask is whether they can eat like this for the rest of their lives and if the answer is no, it’s better to find something else.’

Red meat is part of the diet but this is only eaten in minimal amounts (stock image)

Red meat is part of the diet but this is only eaten in minimal amounts (stock image)

Her verdict: Some aspects of the diet are worth considering but she cautions against following the food plan too rigorously.

‘If you want to try this approach, I’d recommend adding in whole grains like brown rice, oats and quinoa as well as legumes, chickpeas and lentils.’

Australian nutritionist Jessica Spendlove also shared her thoughts on the diet’s pros and cons.

A couple of squares of dark chocolate along with a cup of Earl Grey tea rounds off a day on the healthy eating plan (stock image)

A couple of squares of dark chocolate along with a cup of Earl Grey tea rounds off a day on the healthy eating plan (stock image)

She said any diet that encouraged eating more fresh, whole foods always has some benefit and merit.

‘Some parts of the diet are very close to the traditional Mediterranean diet which has known health benefits and is seen as one of, if not the healthiest, style of eating.’

However, on the downside, Ms Spendlove said the diet is promoting a quick fix.

‘Changing your health for good or bad won’t happen in just 21 days.’ 

Australian nutritionist Jessica Spendlove (pictured) said she thought some aspects of the diet were really beneficial, however, she too advise proceeding with caution

Australian nutritionist Jessica Spendlove (pictured) said she thought some aspects of the diet were really beneficial, however, she too advise proceeding with caution

What is the Pioppi Diet? 

* The plan was created by Dr Aseem Malhotra former athlete Donal O’Neill and has many similarities to the Mediterranean Diet 

* The diet involves starting each day with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar

* The guide recommends five to seven portions of fibrous vegetables  and low-sugar fruit servings per day

* The Pioppi plan also recommends two to four tablespoons of olive oil (with food) and a small handful of nuts every day

* Three portions of oily fish like salmon and sardine are eaten every week

* It includes eggs most days – up to 10 a week can be eaten on the plan

* Full-fat dairy, coconut oil and dark chocolate also feature

* Sugar and refined carbohydrates are banned   

‘Sustainable, healthy eating is something which should be committed to for a lifetime.’

She also agreed with Ms Cohen the diet’s non-inclusion of carbs was a problem.

‘Wholegrain carbs, in particular, have been shown to have a multitude of health benefits, including reducing the incidence of mortality.’

While Ms Cohen didn’t find too much problem with the diet’s inclusion of red wine and chocolate, Ms Spendlove said she believed the daily consumption of these were a little on the controversial side.

Her verdict: ‘The Pioppi diet has some valid points, such as eating lean protein, fresh produce and extra virgin olive oil, which all have proven, health benefits.

However, she believes those considering the diet should proceed with caution.

‘There here are a number of unproven points namely the ‘quick fix’ approach and the promotion of foods such as dark chocolate, red wine and coconut-based products which should be treated as discretionary.’



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