The secret of Limone village – home to dozens of residents over 100 years old, lies in a unique protein in their bodies that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Limone sul Garda, a picturesque fishing village located on the shores of Lake Garda in the Lombardy region (Northern Italy), is an extraordinary destination with just 1,000 residents. The village is surrounded by naturally grown fruit trees and enjoys a particularly mild climate. The locals primarily follow a Mediterranean diet rich in fresh fish, olive oil, and citrus fruits. This combination of factors contributes to a secret “elixir” that helps residents lead healthy and long lives.
However, scientists believe that the inhabitants of Limone sul Garda possess the “Limone gene”, which contains a special protein that breaks down lipids and maintains fluid balance in the blood.
For over 40 years, they have been continuously monitored, becoming volunteers in a large-scale study. Of the 1,000 residents, half are native Limone locals who were born and raised in the village. Out of every 500 people, 60 carry the Limone gene.
“The gene is inherited in my family. I, my children, my siblings, and my mother – who is 96 years old yet still healthy – all carry this gene,” said Gianni Segala, a shop owner.
Since the 1980s, he and his family have voluntarily donated blood for regular testing. He jokingly remarked that the villagers serve as the “blood bags” for scientists.
Segala recalls his first blood donation, where the doctor gave him a sugary ice cream every two hours to monitor his blood levels.
“They took my blood after each ice cream. It was very sweet, fatty, and made me nauseous. Despite eating a lot, my blood immediately broke down the fat without assimilating it. By evening, I nearly fainted (from blood loss),” he said.
However, people like Segala rarely have to worry about venous congestion and blood clots. He mentioned that he leads a normal life, “not a superhero,” yet is very healthy.
Limone sul Garda is an ideal destination for many tourists. (Photo: Moment RF)
Cesare Sirtori, a professor of clinical pharmacy at the Università degli Studi di Milano, leads the research identifying the “elixir” protein in the bodies of Limone residents. This protein is named A-1 Milano. According to Professor Sirtori, the locals have exceptionally low HDL cholesterol levels, around 7-15, while normal levels range from 40-60. This seems to result from a genetic mutation in the protein carrier.
“HDL cholesterol is known as ‘good’ cholesterol. Having low levels of this cholesterol can lead to issues like cardiovascular disease or stroke. However, for the locals, it has a positive effect,” he stated.
Typically, 99% of protein gene mutations in humans can lead to diseases, but the mutation in the Limone gene does not cause any illnesses. Sirtori and his colleagues are researching how this gene counters atherosclerosis.
In 2000, the research team synthesized the Limone protein and injected it into rabbits. They observed a significant reduction in blood clots in the arteries of the rabbits. Experts also discovered that in Limone, this is a dominant gene found in the DNA of 5-year-old children, young adults, and the elderly.
Sirtori noted that the genetic mutation and its associated health benefits exist only in Limone, even absent in neighboring villages.
Thanks to this gene, Giuliano Segala, the son of Gianni Segala, mentioned that he has never experienced stomach pain and can eat anything. He maintains a slim, healthy physique despite regularly enjoying fatty meats, sausages, and even lard. He feels he has a sort of “life insurance,” confident that he will not suffer from arterial blockages or heart attacks. Nevertheless, Segala still exercises regularly, hiking with his father on the peaks to admire the stunning views of nearby Lake Garda.
