Latest news with #Scharffenberg
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
102-year-old nutrition professor shares the seven rules he swears by for a long life - and insists genes have NOT played a role in his longevity
A sprightly 102-year-old professor of nutrition has revealed the seven lifestyle habits that anyone can follow for a long and heathy life. Dr John Scharffenberg, an adjunct professor at Loma Linda University in California, recently revealed his advice for prolonging health and promoting longevity in a series of interviews and talks in several YouTube videos. Born in December 1923, the doctor still lives an independent life, travels the world, drives by himself and remains mentally sharp. Accordingly, the centenarian nutritionist is a living and breathing example of the potential health benefits that can result from following his seven lifestyle habits. Dr Scharffenberg also dismissed the idea that genetics have played a role in his longevity, noting that his mother passed away in her 60s from Alzheimer's disease, and that his father succumbed to a heart attack at 76. He has also outlived both of his less-active brothers. The doctor believes that following his seven simple lifestyle rules can help prevent the on-set of age-related cardiovascular ailments like heart attacks, strokes and diabetes, which are leading causes of disease and death in developed countries. The nutrition professor claims that abiding by his lifestyle rules can not only help prevent heart disease, but also potentially assist people to live a longer life. Here's a breakdown of Dr Scharffenberg's seven lifestyle rules. Rule #1 - Never smoke The doctor's message is simple when it comes to smoking: don't do it. The 102-year-old has never smoked and explains that the dangers of tobacco have been well known and documented since the 1964 Surgeon General report. Smoking is proven to harm almost every organ in the body and is one of the biggest causes of preventable illness and death in many countries around the world, including in Australia. In 2018, smoking-related diseases killed almost 20,500 Australians, equating to almost 50 preventable deaths every day. In addition to never smoking, Dr Scharffenberg abstains from alcohol. Despite research suggesting that light drinking or certain alcoholic drinks can offer some health benefits, Dr Scharffenberg pointed to studies that show any protective effects offered by a low-level of alcohol consumption are offset by an increased cancer risk. His sentiment echoes the World Health Organization's guidance suggesting that no alcohol is the safest choice. Rule #3 - Keeping your body active is important - especially over 40 'Even though I'm a nutritionist, I think exercise is even more important than nutrition,' Dr Scharffenberg said in a video shared on Viva Longevity! The doctor adds that he believes the most important life stage to exercise is during mid life, from the ages of 40 to 70. 'That's when you need it, because that's the time when people usually relax, have more money, buy more food, sit around more, eat more... and that's the wrong way to go.' The professor's preferred exercise routine is gardening and vigorous walking. He also referred to a study that found people who walked more than two miles (3.22km) a day had only half the death rate of those who were less active. Dr Scharffenberg even said in an interview with TODAY that he believes his highly active lifestyle was the reason he 'outlived' his two brothers by decades. 'The main difference was I got a tremendous amount of exercise,' he theorised. Rule #4 - No snacking and eat by the clock At the core of Dr Scharffenberg's rules is that what you eat makes a difference – and that means ensuring you maintain a healthy weight. The nutrition professor recommends implementing simple guidelines around eating habits to ensure you don't gain unnecessary weight. 'Eat at the proper time. That means no snacking,' Dr Scharffenberg said in an interview. 'Eat a variety of natural, non-processed foods in quantities for ideal weight… that's all you need to know.' In a separate video, Dr Scharffenberg also spoke of abiding by intermittent fasting, which has been shown to have health benefits. The expert explained that his final meal of the day is in the early afternoon and that he doesn't consume any food again until 6.30am. As a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Dr Scharffenberg has adhered to a vegetarian diet since childhood. The centenarian said that although he did later try meat, he hasn't eaten it since he was 20 years old. Instead, he follows a total plant-based diet, which includes milk and eggs. Dr Scharffenberg's favourite foods include mangoes, persimmons, potatoes, macadamias and other nuts and seeds. He says a vegetarian diet is 'optimum' because eating too much meat can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Rule #6 - Get saturated fat intake down by cutting meat This rule ties back into Dr Scharffenberg's edict about the benefits of adopting a vegetarian diet, because loads of saturated fats come from meat like beef, pork and poultry. Accordingly, Dr Scharffenberg says adhering to a vegetarian diet and getting rid of animal fat intake is the simplest way to avoid the risks associated with high saturated fat intake, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Dr Scharffenberg points to a clear link between sugar consumption and the increased risk of heart disease as well as other weight gain related health issues He recommends modifying recipes to reduce sugar intake. For instance, he suggests swapping sugary syrups used on pancakes and waffles for fruits and cashew cream. The World Health Organisation recommends sugars make up no more than 10 per cent of our total dietary energy intake (kilojules), or less than 12 teaspoons per day. more health benefits.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
How did this doctor live to a ripe old age of 101? Know his health and diet secret
Making mindful lifestyle choices—such as cutting back on sugar and avoiding tobacco—can significantly enhance both lifespan and quality of life. This belief is exemplified by Dr. John Scharffenberg , a renowned nutrition expert born in December 1923, who continues to flourish well into his second century. At 101, Dr. Scharffenberg has become a global symbol of vibrant aging, defying conventional assumptions about longevity. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Pakistan suspends Simla pact: What it means & who's affected What is India's defence muscle if it ever has to attack? Can Pakistan afford a full-scale war with India? In a recent conversation with Surrey Live, Dr. Scharffenberg opened up about the lifestyle principles that have supported his active, fulfilling life. Interestingly, he downplayed the role of hereditary luck. His father died of a heart condition at 76, his mother passed in her 60s, and both of his brothers are no longer alive—making his age and vitality all the more remarkable. Residing with his son in North Fork, nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Scharffenberg still travels internationally to share his health insights. A retired professor at Loma Linda University's School of Public Health, he lectured in Madagascar and Europe last year and has a speaking event planned in Las Vegas in 2025. Over the years, he has distilled his healthy habits into seven key practices he has faithfully followed: by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Breaks His Silence: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Keep Moving Physical activity has always been central to Scharffenberg's lifestyle. He attributes much of his strength and endurance to working on his own land in California's San Joaquin Valley, where he once carved out a road and planted thousands of strawberries and dozens of fruit trees. 'The crucial time to be active is between 40 and 70,' he said. 'That's when most people slow down—but that's exactly when you need movement the most.' Say No to Tobacco A firm believer in clean living, Dr. Scharffenberg has avoided all forms of smoking. Aware of the severe health threats posed by tobacco—including cancer, diabetes, and organ damage—he chose early on never to touch it. Avoid Alcohol Rejecting popular claims that moderate alcohol use can be beneficial, Scharffenberg has completely abstained from drinking, maintaining that even occasional use isn't necessary for good health. Stay Lean To prevent diseases like heart issues and cancer, he practices intermittent fasting—eating only breakfast and lunch and skipping dinner entirely. This method helps him maintain a low body fat percentage. Cut Back on Meat Following the teachings of his Seventh-Day Adventist faith, Scharffenberg eliminated meat from his diet in his 20s, embracing a fully plant-based approach. Slash Sugar Intake He has nearly eliminated sugar from his meals, tweaking recipes and opting for natural sweetness from fruits and nuts. Limit Saturated Fats He avoids high-fat foods such as butter, cheese, and red meat, advocating instead for a balanced vegetarian diet. 'The ideal diet is a plant-based one,' he says. 'I hope everyone chooses a path toward healthy living .'
News18
25-04-2025
- Health
- News18
‘No Tobacco, No Sugar': 101-Year-Old Nutritionist Has 7 Rules For Long And Healthy Life
Last Updated: Throughout his career, the California-based nutritionist has shared seven health tips, which he rigorously follows, to maintain his remarkable longevity. Born in December 1923, Dr. John Scharffenberg is not just surviving but thriving at the age of 101. The California-based nutritionist has gained global recognition for living a happy and healthy life even after crossing the century mark. Scharffenberg recently shared his wisdom on achieving a long and prosperous life in an interview with Surrey Live. Despite his longevity, Scharffenberg rejected the idea that great genetics played a role in his long life. He revealed that his father passed away at 76 from a heart attack, his mother in her 60s, and he has outlived both of his brothers. Currently living with his son in North Fork, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Scharffenberg has continued to travel the world, giving lectures as a professor at Loma Linda University's School of Public Health. Last year, he delivered talks in Madagascar and Europe, and he is scheduled to speak in Las Vegas in 2025. Throughout his career, Scharffenberg has shared seven health tips, which he rigorously follows, to maintain his remarkable longevity. Exercise has been a key part of Scharffenberg's daily routine. The nutritionist credits his fitness and longevity to the physical work he underwent on a plot the man bought in California's San Joaquin Valley. Scharffenberg said he remained active through his pursuit to clear the land for a road and build 3,000 strawberry plants alongside 80 fruit trees. 'The time of life you get it is what's important — middle age, from 40 to 70," he was quoted by Surrey Live. 'That's when you need it, because that's the time when people usually relax, have more money, buy more food, sit around more, eat more […] and that's the wrong way to go. I did it all by myself, so I exercised a lot. I worked hard. Even though I'm a nutritionist, exercise is even more important than nutrition." No Tobacco Another golden rule Scharffenberg has followed sincerely is to completely avoid smoking and any form of tobacco consumption throughout his life. Mindful of the serious health challenges tobacco causes, including multiple organ damage and diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes, Dr Scharffenberg has made sure it has never entered his body. Avoid Alcohol Dr Scharffenberg challenged the notion that moderate drinking provides health benefits. While many claim that consuming a small glass of wine can be advantageous, the professor completely stands against it and has abstained from any alcohol consumption throughout his lifespan. Scharffenberg recognised early that maintaining a light weight with minimal fat is the way to keep a range of medical issues, including heart problems and cancer, at bay. The nutritionist fasts intermittently, following a routine where he takes his breakfast and lunch but skips dinner. Scharffenberg doesn't eat anything until 6:30 am the next morning. Reduce Meat Consumption Breaking the myth that a diet must feature a host of non-vegetarian dishes for protein sufficiency and fulfilling, Dr Scharffenberg said he hasn't touched meat since his 20s. Completely cutting down on meat consumption early in life, the professor said he follows a plant-based regimen as per his Seventh-Day Adventist Church beliefs. Eliminate Sugar To maintain a light weight, one must cut down the calories consumed daily. Ensuring the same, Dr Scharffenberg has trimmed the sugar content from his diet to almost zero. The professor follows an effective recipe-tweaking method to achieve this goal, occasionally indulging in his wife's unique oat-based waffles with either berries or a mix of cashew cream and bananas and no sugar syrups. The doctor advises eating fruits and vital nutrients for safe sugar consumption. Minimal Saturated Fats Dr Scharffenberg promotes minimal usage of saturated fats, which he underlines as harmful for the body. The professor emphasised avoiding foods like butter, palm, coconut oils, cheese and red meat and gave a message to the readers, encouraging them to have an optimum diet. 'The optimum diet is the vegetarian diet. I pray that all of you will live the right lifestyle," he said. Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : nutritionist tobacco viral news Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: April 25, 2025, 12:21 IST News viral 'No Tobacco, No Sugar': 101-Year-Old Nutritionist Has 7 Rules For Long And Healthy Life
