How Does Diet Influence Life Expectancy?

Although it may not seem like it, life expectancy is associated with the type of diet. And since living for many years in good health is the dream of many people globally, it is not surprising that several measures are taken in this regard.

One of these measures consists of investigating the relationship between both variables, and even others. Thanks to this curiosity, it has been found that, depending on the choice of food, the way of cooking and accompanying it, the amount and the frequency in which it is eaten, a person can live more or less years.

Research has also shown that genetics and lifestyle have a significant influence on human longevity. Thus, life expectancy does not only depend on diet as such.

When eating is supported by a healthy lifestyle, the chances that a person will live longer (and in good health) increase. And depending on the case, the person could approach or even exceed one hundred years of age.

Foods that extend life expectancy

1. The fish

If you eat fish several times a week, you will be able to maintain a good cardiovascular condition, as it has excellent antioxidant properties. Thanks to its content of omega 3 fatty acids, it has the characteristic of prolonging the blood clotting time, thus reducing the probability of suffering from diseases such as arteriosclerosis.

The most recommended fish are the blue ones. Among these, those with the highest omega 3 content are:

• Sardine.
• Tuna.
• Salmon.
• Mackerel.
• Anchovy.

If you include these fish in your weekly diet, you will surely have a much longer life expectancy.

2. The cereals

Mainly whole grains are related to greater longevity, due to their antioxidant properties. Thus, it is recommended that they be included in the diet daily.

Whole grains  have a high content of good quality carbohydrates, as well as fiber, unlike cereals that have been previously processed before consuming. If you include whole grains in your daily diet, you can be sure that you will be able to keep obesity at bay.

• In this way, the chances of you suffering from diseases such as type 2 diabetes, colon cancer and cardiovascular diseases will be less.
• These also promote the reduction of bad cholesterol (LDL) and help to extend your life expectancy in a simple way.

3. Fruits and vegetables

These foods can never be missing in your home. It is advisable to consume at least 5 daily servings of various fruits and vegetables.

• They have great antioxidant properties thanks to their high content of flavonoids.
• They also provide water, protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats.

In addition, they provide us with other beneficial natural elements, so you should not stop taking advantage of fruits and vegetables. Eat seasonal ones to make sure they are fresh.

• The benefits that you will enjoy if you include fruits and vegetables in your daily diet will be surprising.
• These help make the chances of suffering from heart disease, stroke or cancer much lower than if you did not consume them. They are also foods with healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Do not stop including them if you want to extend your life expectancy.

4. Legumes

Legumes contain a large amount of complex carbohydrates that are absorbed slowly. In its content, proteins, minerals and fibers stand out. Among other things, they help keep cholesterol at a good level, so you will have obesity on the sidelines and with this diabetes and possible coronary problems.

5. The nuts

They are antioxidants par excellence. If you want to extend your life expectancy, you cannot stop including them in your diet. They are foods that provide a lot of energy, a large amount of proteins, minerals, vitamins and trace elements that are necessary to maintain good health.

They are foods with a high content of omega 3 fatty acids, so they help maintain blood cholesterol at the appropriate levels for health. In addition, thanks to its properties, nuts have excellent effects on the brain.

To consider

Having a proper diet is one of the main factors that promote longevity, but it is not the only thing you should take into account if you want to live longer. The diet must be accompanied by a proper exercise routine. In this way, in addition to keeping fit, you will get away from stress, a very detrimental factor for health.