Most people desire to live a long and healthy life, and it’s worth our consideration to think about foods that can increase our longevity.
Not everyone is given the opportunity to live a long life. As a Christian, I believe the length of life is a secondary consideration; we have been given this life to ensure that we have a good entrance into the next life, whether it’s short or long.
But in the meantime, it only makes sense to look after the bodies we have been given. I’m interested in that, and I assume you are as well. This means not only not abusing our bodies, or living dangerously, but optimizing our health and longevity so we can get as much out of life as possible.
In addition, since most people are not independently wealthy, we need to find simple ways to enhance our health and potential longevity, and in ways that we can afford. Both diet and exercise play a significant role, but diet is huge.
Most of us can’t afford to go to the ends of the earth in search of the “fountain of youth” in Nepal, Japan, or South America! It’s easy to find the “latest and greatest” online these days, purporting to bring you the secrets of the Hunzas or some cure-all from Okinawa. In fact, you don’t even have to search, they will come knocking at your online door, promising great health and longevity, if you buy their product, at only “$180 every two months.” I’m not going to say there is nothing at all to any of it – sometimes there is – but before we get too carried away, let’s look at some budget-friendly and simple foods that we can eat regularly that will further our goal of a long and healthy life.
And probably cost considerably less.
Whole-Grain Foods
This is probably one of the simplest and easiest things you can do to start your longevity quest. Break from refined grain products that have had the fiber and a lot of the nutritional value removed, and switch to whole grain foods. These whole-grain foods like oatmeal, whole wheat, quinoa, and brown rice are, for the most part, very inexpensive – and contain fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that have often been stripped from the refined grain products which include white bread, ordinary pasta, some cold cereals, and a host of other products including Twinkies, Ding Dongs, etc.! Needless to say, these products are not “glycemic index” friendly and can contribute to blood sugar spikes, diabetes, and a host of other ailments.
Berries
Berries – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries – can safely be called superfoods that definitely contribute to longevity and good health. They are full of antioxidants! As has been mentioned often in this blog, antioxidants are substances that may prevent cell damage from “free radicals.” Free radical damage has been considered a contributing factor in heart disease, cancer, and other potentially life-limiting diseases, so it only makes sense that eating foods rich in antioxidants would be a prime consideration!
Unless you live in a place with a berry-friendly climate, it’s not always so easy to get fresh berries – but blueberries, for example, aren’t so very expensive if you buy them frozen in large quantities. You don’t need to eat two pounds at one sitting, but a half a cup to a cup a day is probably affordable, and very beneficial.
Green Tea
Green tea is incredibly cheap; not quite as cheap as black tea (which is also good for you), but still quite affordable. Again – it’s the antioxidants! A big plus of green tea – or any tea – is that it has no calories, so doesn’t contribute to weight gain. (Just don’t add a half-cup of cream)
Legumes
Legumes include beans, lentils, chickpeas, and green peas, and are great in the fiber, protein and nutrient category. Fiber, judging from what I have been able to discern, is a huge factor in overall health. Fiber is great for your digestive system, and many health problems stem from problems in the digestive system. High on the list is colon cancer, and fiber in one’s diet is well-known for its anti-colon cancer impact.
And – oh yes! – legumes are dirt cheap!
Leafy Green Vegetables
Kale, leaf lettuce, Swiss Chard, spinach – these are full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These have been associated with a reduced risk of mental and cognitive decline, and a reduction in many other age-related diseases. It would be hard to find a health diet anywhere that doesn’t promote the use of green leafy vegetables! Wash them to get rid of pesticides, etc., but otherwise use to your heart’s content. Low in calories, so there are no negative obesity effects… Obesity is a well-known anti-longevity factor, at least in many cases.
Leafy green vegetables are often not very expensive – especially if you buy in season.
Seeds and Nuts
The big plus of seeds and nuts is they are rich in good fats – also protein and minerals. They are very nutrient-dense! In other words, they pack a lot of punch for their size, just a few will likely give a lot of benefit, long-term. Nuts can sometimes be expensive, but raw sunflower seeds, for example, are a very nutrient-rich food that is very inexpensive! Even peanuts are great – if you are not allergic to them. Buy almonds and hazelnuts in bulk at Costco!
Salmon and Other Fatty Fish
The contribution of “fatty fish” to longevity is primarily in the omega-3 fatty acids they contribute to your body. Omega-3’s are essential for brain and heart health! “Fatty fish” includes salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel. You don’t have to eat these fresh; frozen or canned is also great, and less expensive than fresh in most cases. The only thing you have to watch is the sodium content. If you have options, opt for lower sodium product.
Turmeric
It seems that turmeric gets honorable mention as a powerful anti-aging and longevity factor. Think curry! Or if you don’t like curry or other foods that taste like curry, maybe take turmeric as a supplement. Turmeric’s primary contribution to longevity lies in its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can be the cause of numerous health problems, and reducing and preventing inflammation should be high on our priority list when it comes to the pursuit of longevity.
Conclusion
By being careful when you go shopping, you can find simple and inexpensive foods that can significantly contribute to a long and healthy life, particularly if you incorporate them into a balanced diet. Don’t eat all green leafy salads, and nothing else, for example! These foods are an investment in your health. I understand, you have to have money to invest money, but in the food realm, by being a bit creative and astute, you can reap rich rewards for your health without taking your bank account to zero (or below) to do it!
If you have any thoughts or questions related to eating to promote longevity, please feel free to share in the comments below.
