Foods That Help You Live Longer

While none of us will be around forever, there are some ways you can add longevity to your life just by being mindful of what you eat. To increase your lifespan would mean improving your quality of. We have picked out some foods that promote a healthy, longer life.

 

1

Brightly Coloured Fruit And Vegetables

Research shows that on average, people eating more fruit and veg tend to live longer than those who don’t, this is because of nutrients available in a healthy diet. While all fruit and veg is beneficial, brightly coloured produce is particularly good for you. The natural pigments that give them their colour also have anti-cancer properties. The Okinawans ( known to have the world’s longest life expectancy, low heart disease and cancer rates) have a diet containing fruit and veg in abundance – especially of yellow and dark green delicacies.

The Okinawan diet consists of sweet potatoes and replaces traditional Japanese staple (rice) with this vibrant veg.

 

2

Dark Chocolate

Great news for chocolate lovers! Cocoa beans are packed with antioxidants which studies have found can help cut your risk of heart disease ( the biggest killer in the Western world)

Perhaps this is why Jeanne Louise Calment, who lived a huge 122 yrs and 164 days put her good health down to regular chocolate consumption. However, it is noting that one square a day is enough to receive the benefits.

Tip: Choose bars with 70% cocoa bars because they contain more flavonoids (less sugar).

 

3

Oily Fish / Omega-3 fatty acids

Japanese people have the longest life expectancy in the world, which has been linked to their traditional diet, one which is very high in fish consumption. Opting for fish over meat reduces the risk of health problems associated with red meat, such as heart disease. Oily fish (or Omega-3 Vegan sources) such as salmon, mackerel and sardines are commended for their health benefits.

Oily fish are a good source of vitamins A and D which are good for the immune system. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which have been linked to a lowered risk of heart disease, brain damage and stroke. Scientists have also discovered that the DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in fish is the key to combating Alzheimer’s: DHA slows down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, making this the key ingredient for a healthy brain and, ultimately, a healthier lifestyle too.

If you are vegan, omega-3 fatty acids are available in plant based products like chia seeds, nuts and hemp seeds.

 

4

Herbal Tea

Another borrow from the staple Japanese diet, herbal tea boasts an impressive array of health benefits, helping to improve cardiovascular health, regulate blood pressure, boost the immune system, and lower cholesterol. Studies have even suggested that drinking green tea – which is rich in health-boosting flavonoids – can help to lower your risk of cancer. Research findings published in the Journal of the American Medical Association appear to back up these health claims, as the Japanese study of more than 40,000 participants found that those who drank five or more cups of green tea a day had a death rate that was 16 per cent lower than those who drank one cup, over the course of 11 years.

 

5

Coconut Oil

Many of us stay away from fats and oils in a bid to stay trim and healthy; however, ‘good’ monounsaturated fats, which are found in coconut oil, are actually essential for good health. Studies have found that regularly consuming coconut oil can help cut your risk of stroke and heart disease, due to its high content of micronutrients called phenols which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

 

6

Garlic

Many compounds are found in garlic and 10 of them help to combat cancer. Garlic also contains immune-enhancing compounds that assist in the breakdown of cancer causing substances.

For example, diallyl sulphide, a component of garlic, is known for its ability to break down carcinogens in the body, which may have led to cancer if they weren’t destroyed. According to research, people who consume garlic regularly face half the risk of stomach cancer than those who eat little or none.

 

7

Raw foods

It is known that people who add raw foods to their diet (fruit, salad, al dente vegetables) have a better chance of surviving longer due to the higher proportion of nutrient retained in less-none cooked foor in comparison to cooked food all the time. It is also a good idea to avoid processed food of any kind due to the unnatural compounds that occur.