By now, we know what it takes to ensure we live long and healthy.
Regular exercise, plenty of sleep, de-stressing techniques and an active social life are among some of the many ways to ensure the best version of ourselves, but often require a little more work.
Those looking for the elixir of life should either a) just admit their Hogwarts letter isn’t coming, or b) stop filling their medicine cabinets with countless supplements, because chances are, everything we need to reach 100 can be found right there in your kitchen.
Below are five wonder foods scientifically proven to add years onto your life expectancy, all the while assisting in a range of health benefits, from improved memory, to glowing skin.
Heat things up with these chilli prawns with green apple salsa!
1. Chilli
Sriracha addicts, rejoice!
A large new study from the University of Vermont found the consumption of red chillies to be associated with a 13 per cent reduction in mortalities, particularly those involving stroke and heart disease.
Not only that, chillies also contain up to seven times the vitamin C of an orange, can aid in digestion and the natural relief of migraines, headaches and joint pain while being an abundant source of folic acid, potassium and beta-carotene for healthy skin and eyes.
2. Salmon
Smoked, baked or sashimi, salmon is one of the richest available sources of omega-3, which have been found by the Ohio State University to preserve telomeres – the caps that end of each strand of DNA that protects our chromosomes – which ultimately help slow the aging process.
Not only does salmon make a delicious and versatile centrepiece, it’s high in B vitamins, protein, and has been credited with many health benefits including cell functionality, brain health lowering blood pressure and reduced inflammation.
Try this jerk salmon with yogurt potatoes recipe from our friends over at Food To Love!
3. Whole grains
Bread is NOT the enemy, people! While white loaves admittedly won’t help you on your way to optimum health, whole grain breads, pastas, oats and other goodies have been linked to a 5 per cent lower mortality risk, and a 9 per cent lower risk of death from poor heart health.
In addition to this, whole grains serve as a great source of fibre, B vitamins and trace minerals including zinc, iron and magnesium.
4. Garlic
Aside from warding off the common cold and making bread infinitely better, garlic has been found to possess incredible qualities when it comes to your health.
Studies have found that the phytochemicals in these delicious bulbs to stop the formation of carcinogenic chemicals in the body.
Not only that, but the pantry staple has also been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and Alzheimer’s and can be consumed as a natural anti-ager.
The whole family will go crazy with this spiced freekeh with cucumber and garlic minted yoghurt recipe.
5. Wine
A 29-year-long study found red wine drinkers to have a 34 per cent lower mortality rate than that of beer and vodka drinkers.
Apparently, this comes down to resveratrol, an antioxidant found in grape skin that not only helps protect memory deterioration, but also lowers the risk of inflammation and blood clotting, which we all know too well can lead to heart disease.
We’ll drink to that!
Cheers!
