Many people think that life expectancy is largely determined by genetics. However, experts say that genes play a much smaller role when it comes to living long. It turns out that environmental factors like diet and lifestyle are key.
Below are the four groupings of food that play crucial roles in the better functioning of your body and organs, which then results in a long life.
Soy, tea, and vegetables boost cardiovascular health
For the body to maintain a long healthy life it needs to be able to form new blood vessels and keep cellular growth in check. If this does not happen, then the body might be at risk of developing cancer or other serious diseases, according to experts.
A proper diet and nutrition is a must to ensure that the body continues to function normally for as long as you live. This is how you can increase longevity.
Nutritionists say, the most effective foods that will help your body ward off cancer and maintain heart health are:
- Soy
- Black raspberries
- Tomatoes
- Tea
- Pomegranates
- Licorice
- Beer
- Cheese
There’s mounting evidence for the power of these foods. Experts say that Asians are known to consume lots of soy, vegetables, and tea and that is why they have a significantly lower risk for developing breast and other cancers.
Fish helps regenerate stem cells
The main job of the stem cells of the body is to repair, regenerate and maintain the tissues. They reside in the organs, bone marrow, liver, lungs and gut. Their performance can be affected by the types of food you consume. Fatty fish is one the most powerful foods that aid in regeneration.
Research from the University of Montreal demonstrating states that a diet rich in fish oil increases the production of stem cells that are linked to better circulation in oxygen-deprived muscles.
Other foods that spur regeneration include flavonoid-rich dark chocolate, black tea, beer, red wine, mangoes, and olive oil.
Antioxidant-rich foods can protect DNA
To live a longer and healthier life, you’re going to want to load up on the foods that repair and maintain the health of your DNA. The foods that support robust DNA repair and slow cellular aging are those rich in nutrients with antioxidant properties like vitamins A, C, D, E, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and selenium.
spinach, kale, and other leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, oranges, berries, red peppers, lentils, navy beans, eggs, sardines, almonds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, coffee, tea, soy, and spices like turmeric.
Fermented food boosts microbiome
Ensuring a healthy microbiome is important for maintain longevity. Along with knowing what to eat to boost the microbiome, you should also know what not to eat to disrupt its functions.
Remove foods like refined sugar and artificial sweeteners from your diet. The bacteria in your gut which is known as the microbiome plays a crucial role in strengthening the body’s immune system.
Foods that benefit the microbiome are kiwifruit, sourdough, dark chocolate, fibre-rich beans, yoghurt, to name a few.
