If you didn't think eating certain foods could help you live a long and happy life, think again! There are plenty of nutritious foods that can help extend your lifespan. While eating a diet rich in nutritious wholesome foods can help you live a longer life, there are a few particular popular foods that have been proven in multiple studies to add years to your life.
So, what are those foods, and are they easy to obtain? Absolutely! Here are the popular foods proven to make you live longer to stock up on right now.
Oatmeal
That's right—your favorite easy-to-make breakfast food has been closely linked to longevity. The Nutrition Journal proved this theory by having participants consume oatmeal for six weeks. Those who ate 100 grams of oats a day (versus flour or noodles) saw a major decrease in LDL "bad" cholesterol and weight circumference, thanks to the steady increase of dietary fiber. Having high cholesterol is closely linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and hypercholesterolemia.
Blueberries
Top that oatmeal with some blueberries for some extra life-giving power! One study published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America showed how foods rich in antioxidants can help with longevity. Given that blueberries are one of the richest sources of antioxidants, according to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, having this popular fruit on hand will add years to your life.
Leafy greens
Did you know a handful of leafy greens is considered one of the most nutrient-dense foods? In the journal Preventing Chronic Disease, one doctor notes how leafy greens are one of the top nutrient-dense foods based on how they scored in a nutrient-dense study. The leafy greens included in this group include chard, beet green, spinach, chicory, and leaf lettuce. Foods that are dense in nutrients are closely associated with reduced chronic disease risk.
Nuts
Whether you like topping your Greek yogurt with a spoonful of nuts, or simply enjoy snacking on nuts in the afternoon, nut consumption has also been closely linked to reducing the risk of major chronic diseases. One study published by The New England Journal of Medicine concluded that frequency of nut consumption was associated with cause-specific mortality after assessing nut consumption among over 100,000 people in a study. Nuts can include anything from the category including almonds, walnuts, cashews, and more.
Tomatoes
Adding tomatoes to your sandwich or topping your tacos with pico de gallo may be a wise idea! According to a study published by the European Journal of Internal Medicine, tomatoes and tomato products contain lycopene, which is closely linked to decreased risk of chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease. Lycopene has antioxidant properties which assist with this decreased risk.
Whole grains
Carbs can help you live a longer life? Yes. One study published by Circulation shows how whole grains are closely linked to a longer life. No wonder the Mediterranean Diet is constantly linked to longevity—it relies on all kinds of good-for-you carbs!
This study concludes that eating at least three servings of whole grains a day, which is in line with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, is still a healthy amount to consume.
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