Longevity and Nutrition

[teamforce]

Dan Buettner in his book, "Blue Zone" identifies Okinawa, California, Sardinia and Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica) as areas where people live longest and well.

Do you think diet and nutrition have played an important role?

[Denton15]

I only know one person who remained active until she was 101, she was a vegetarian, her husband lived to 99 too so I feel sure diet played a part. I think that genes and luck play a part too and possibly outlook and a healthy mind are just as important.

[teamforce]

Wow you are indeed fortunate as you can some long life longevity secrets from her. For me, the oldest person I come across is in her 90s. Do not know of anyone personally that live above 100.

[Mary Lou TheCollardPatch]

I believe that a diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients will increase the chances of longevity. I am an advocate of collard greens.

Greens are an excellent source of Beta carotene and vitamin C. The more intense the green color, the more beta carotene is present. Greens contain calcium, fiber, and cancer preventives.

[fahriye]

SUPERFOODS that are belived to contain special properties for longevity.

Oats, salmon, soybeans, pulses, green tea, garlic, tomatoes, mushrooms, spinich,chili peppers, carrots, broccoli.
Bananas, citrus fruits, apricots, mangos, kiwi, pineapple,papaya, strawberries.

[lesley]

I think eating a healthy diet helps, but it is also in the genes.
Five of the world’s 40 oldest people live in Sardinia and some 135 people per million live to see their 100th birthday, while the western average is nearer 75. Centenarians are scattered around all of the island’s 377 municipalities with female centenarians outweighing the males four to one.
There must be something in the water!

[Liketobake]

It sure sounds like there is something in the water, like you said.:)

[axeray]

I think diet plays an integral role as well as portion sizes and frequency one chooses to eat.

[kieran.25]

I'm responding well to dietary treatment for liver failure (cirrhosois), was told I had a limited life expectancy. Now I'm okay, situation downgraded because of a strict regime. Don't think any one factor adds longevity, throw in diet, exercise, abstention ... the works.

[nicoleSmith08]

I think having a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet will help you live long..

[ludak]

All we can to prolong our life if we look what we eat

[fahriye]

SUPERFOODS color chart

RED : Tomatoes, cranberries and pomegranates. These help memory function.
DEEP GREEN : Broccoli, spinach and kale, are good sources of calcium to help with bones and teeth.
DEEP PURPLE : Aubergines, plums, blackberries and blueberries for healthy aging and memory.

[fahriye]

CHILI PEPPERS

One or more chili a day, lowers cholesterol, stimulates release of ENDORPHINS and contains blood thinning properties, as well as a great antioxidant.

[Big Daddy's House]

You're right, HattoriHanzo!!

Not only is he a loser, but he also lost his priveliges to post here. He's been BANNED.

[Villagecatering]

Yes balanced and nutritious diet plays a important role to remain healthy in life with that healthy lifestyle is also very important.

[worshiper]

While there is no quick fix and death is inevitable, extending life is obtainable. Nutrition is the key to essential heath and longevity. If you wish to increase your lifespan you should make sure that you are consuming a healthy diet. Stay away from fast food, fried food, sodium, cholesterol and any type of unhealthy fat. Individuals who consume the proper amounts of vitamins, minerals, proteins and carbohydrates and who limit their fat and calorie intake drastically increase their chances of extending their lifespan and enhancing their quality of life.

[saltworks]

so did this book disclose what type of diets people had in the places where they lived the longest.

i've heard that there is a small Japanese fishing village where their diet is primarily seaweed, vegetables and seafood, supposedly has the highest average life expectancy in the world. can anyone confirm this? thanks!

[abi_csi]

In most instances a diet of fresh fish, fruit and veg has to add longevity to life, however in some cases the odd person gets away with it, such as the French lady who lived til 116 and smoked til she was 96 or something. Having said that I don't see that many extra large octogenarians.

[abi_csi]

Superfoods that are listed above by Fahriye are not only super, but delicious. How anyone can favour unhealthy burgers and fries over these glorious veg and fruit and pulses I don't know. Although I have had a healthy version of burger and fries with homemade burger (containing carrot and onion) and oven fries made with sweet potato-that was healthy, a bit naughty and tasty all at the same time.

[singh86]

avoid fast foods as much as pssible and eat heathy foods

By http://cooking5.blogspot.com/

[victorladra]

and regular exercise is a great help, keeping your cells replenish by oxygen is a great way to keep them working, thus avoiding the damage, making you look and feel younger, and I also found a fruit that is very helpful, goji berry. very nice taste too.

[abi_csi]

SUPERFOODS color chart

RED : Tomatoes, cranberries and pomegranates. These help memory function.
DEEP GREEN : Broccoli, spinach and kale, are good sources of calcium to help with bones and teeth.
DEEP PURPLE : Aubergines, plums, blackberries and blueberries for healthy aging and memory.

Love the idea of this. Nothing better than a plate full of colour to eat.

[abi_csi]

Funnily enough though regarding nutrition and longevity, I was talking to a friends Grandmother who is ninety, as her late husband was a butcher she ate red meat 5x per week nearly all her life, this is not scientifically recommended, but no one can deny that she's already reached a fine age, and except for bad knee joints she is in fabulous health mentally and physically.

[saltworks]

I wonder what the common factors were found in the book, "Blue Zone" between Okinawa, California, Sardinia and Nicoya Peninsula. One thing for certain is that each of the locations mentioned are surrounded by the ocean. Could it be the temperate climate, nutrition packed seafood and sea vegetables? Or perhaps the quality of life promotes health and wellness in each of the locations.