Following the Mediterranean Diet, which consists of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, fish, and olive oil, and an occasional glass of red wine, may boost your longevity, according to a study recently published in BMJ. Analysis taken from the ongoing Healthy Nurses' Study found an association between those who ate the Mediterranean Diet and decreased shortening of their telomeres found at the ends of their chromosomes. Telomere length is an indicator of life expectancy.
Like a lot of existent research, this study had noted correlation rather than causation. In other words, following the Mediterranean Diet will not necessarily cause telomere shortening. Rather, there appears to be an association between eating the Mediterranean Diet and reduced shortening of telomeres. Nevertheless, geneticists have long known that longer telomeres are indicative of healthier aging and longer life expectancy. Living an unhealthy lifestyle (i.e., eating sugary, fattening foods and smoking) is associated with shortened telomere length. So it makes sense that eating an antioxidant-rich diet (e.g., Mediterranean Diet) may increase your longevity.
Other lifestyle habits that may increase your life expectancy include the following:
Brian Danley, CFT
"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going."
Brian Danley, CFT "Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going." 408-688-1586 (cell) briandanleyfitness.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandanleyfitness https://www.facebook.com/BrianDanleyFitness
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I'm a personal trainer who loves to help others fulfill their health and fitness goals. I consider myself a bodybuilder in that I live the lifestyle of eating healthy food, working out regularly, and sculpting my body.