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One minute, coffee is good for you – and the next minute, it’s bad. Then, we’re told wine will help you live longer – and then we’re told it won’t.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a guide to longevity that is easy to understand?

Dr. David Agus has provided just that. A professor of medicine and engineering at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine and Viterbi School of Engineering, Agus shared his tips for longevity in his new book, A Short Guide to a Long Life.

Agus’ book is divided into three sections: ‘What to Do,’ What to Avoid,’ and ‘Doctor’s Orders.’  And his “Dos and Don’ts” list includes some surprising advice, such as staying away from the recent health craze of juicing.

“As soon as you put fruits and vegetables into a blender, they get oxidized and degrade almost instantaneously,” Agus said.  “Everybody’s looking for a short cut, but the key is to eat the real food.”

Agus also advises people to live with a significant other, have children, caffeinate in moderation and do DNA testing.  Conversely, he cautions people against wearing stilettos, detoxing and taking vitamins.

For more of Agus’ longevity tips, visit davidagus.com.