10 Foods That Will Help You Live to be 100

Want to live longer?

Though genetics have a large say in how long you will live, your lifestyle choices can also swing the vote either way. If you chug beer and soda, and eat doughnuts, bacon, pizza, and french fries as staples in your diet, you’re probably not helping your chances of living past 70.

While a healthy diet filled to the brim with fresh fruits and veggies and lean meats is the ideal, not everyone can live up to those standards. If you want to help extend your life expectancy, science has shown that some foods can help you live longer by combating the common diseases and defects that lead to premature death.

Some foods to insert into your longevity boosting meal plan include broccoli, wine, blueberries, tea, nuts, fish, garlic, turkey, yogurt, and spinach.

Here’s why:

1.   Fight free radicals with broccoli.

2.   Wine reduces blood clotting and kidney disease.

3.   Fight heart disease and cancer, and boost your metabolism with blueberries.

4.   Boost your immune system with tea.

5.   Reduce your cholesterol with nuts.

6.   Reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke with fish.

7.   Garlic fights heart disease and strokes

8.   Get a stronger immune system with turkey.

9.   Get stronger bones and a healthy digestive tract with yogurt.

10. Keep your eyes and heart strong with spinach (just like Popeye).

Eating these foods may help you push your luck and live a few extra years, but there are no guarantees (of course). However, even if eating these foods doesn’t buy you any time on earth, it will reduce the chances that you’ll die from a debilitating disease like cancer or a sudden stroke.

Some studies have also shown that keeping your mind active as well as your body can help you live longer. Older adults who enroll in college courses, tutor students, or stay active in local and government politics all have greater than average chances of living longer.

Regular exercise, reduced stress, adequate water consumption, and a positive attitude can all contribute to a longer life as well. If you’re serious about living longer, you should learn to live life to its fullest and treat your body well.

Get regular massages, take relaxing vacations, leave that stressful job for something more rewarding, exercise often, eat well, and love deeply.

That is the perfect cocktail for extending your life expectancy.

Jamie Simmerman is a registered nurse and freelance writer. Follow her on Twitter.

photo: ©istock/RedHelga