5 Foods That Will Help You Live For 100 YearsHanna Day-Tenerowicz "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Americans shell out billions of dollars every year to improve their health with diets, gym memberships, exercise programs and supplements. But could cracking the code of centenarians—those who live active lives well into their 100s—actually come down to simple habits like eating beans , napping to reduce stress, and walking for the sake of getting around rather than hitting your daily steps goal?
That’s the idea behind the Blue Zones , pockets around the world where people live longer, healthier lives than the worldwide average. These places—Ikaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy—piqued the interest of New York Times bestselling author and longevity expert Dan Buettner who, two decades ago, set out to find what people in these parts of the world are doing differently that could help them live longer. Today, Blue Zones is a trademarked brand with books, a Netflix series, merchandise, pathways for other cities to become “Blue Zone” certified, and even hot sauce collections.
But could replicating the lifestyle habits of these health hotspots actually help you live longer? And are there really certain foods that you should eat if you want to live to 100 years old?
The verdict from health experts is… most definitely. Hanna Day-Tenerowicz That’s because diet can influence key aging mechanisms like inflammation, cellular repair, and insulin sensitivity. These all play critical roles in determining lifespan, explains Dr. Darshan Shah , M.D., the founder of Next Health, a longevity clinic.
Choosing nutrient-dense, fiber-rich vegetables, healthy fats, and well-sourced proteins like legumes, lean meats, and fish, can help create a strong foundation for our cells to function at their best, Shah says.
“This, in turn, minimizes the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancers that often shorten lives,” he says. “So yes, what you eat can absolutely contribute to a long, vibrant life.”
Here’s what else you should know if you want to eat so you can live to 100 (or beyond). What […]
5 Foods That Will Help You Live For 100 Years, According To Experts