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CNN
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In the picturesque fishing village of Limone sul Garda in Italy’s northern Lombardy region, there is a paradoxical combination of terraced lemon groves, a warm mountain breeze, and a unique gene that promotes long-lasting health.
With only about 1,000 residents, Limone sul Garda stands as the most northern location in the world where lemons are naturally grown. The village enjoys an exceptionally mild climate despite its proximity to the Alps.
The combination of these factors has led the villagers to claim that they have a secret “elixir” to a healthy and long life.
Many locals in Limone sul Garda possess a special gene called the “Limone gene.” This gene contains a unique protein that destroys fats and keeps the blood fluid, allowing them to indulge in rich foods without worrying about health issues.
For the past 40 years, the people of Limone sul Garda have been under scientific observation, with gene-carrying villagers acting as test subjects.
Out of the 1,000 residents, 500 were born and bred in Limone, and out of those 500, 60 carry the Limone gene.
Gianni Segala, a shopkeeper in Limone, jokes that the villagers are like “blood bags” for scientists, as they regularly give blood for tests.
Cesare Sirtori, a professor of clinical pharmacology at the Università degli Studi di Milano, discovered the protein in the Limone gene and named it A-1 Milano. He found that the people of Limone have abnormally low HDL cholesterol levels, which is typically considered good for heart health.
Sirtori is currently studying the Limone gene to see how it can be used to fight against atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries. In experiments with rabbits, he found that injecting them with the synthesized Limone protein resulted in a significant decrease in blood clots.
The Limone gene is a dominant gene found in people of all ages in the village, from five-year-olds to the elderly.
The gene was first discovered in the blood of a Limone train driver who was involved in an accident in Milan. Doctors were astonished by his blood test results and initiated a screening campaign in the village.
According to Antonio Girardi, a local hotelier who has extensively researched the gene, the unique surroundings, climate, and natural produce of Limone sul Garda contribute to the villagers’ exceptional health and longevity.
Not only does Limone sul Garda offer a stunning setting with its lemon groves and mountainous backdrop, but it also has a pleasant micro-climate that protects the villagers from harsh winds and maintains consistently warm temperatures.
Today, the village relies heavily on tourism as its primary industry, attracting visitors with its charming harbor, fishing museum, and picturesque beaches.
Antonio Girardi keeps a record of all the gene carriers in the village and believes that the unique combination of the gene, climate, and local produce contributes to the exceptional health of the residents in Limone sul Garda.
If you’re planning a trip to Italy, be sure to explore the beautiful village of Limone sul Garda, where you can experience the magic of the “elixir” of a healthy life.
