Longevity Secrets Explained
When compared to the lifespans of the rest of the world, America is falling behind in the worst way. Countries like Japan, Switzerland, Spain, Canada, and even Australia are leading the way.
In fact, the World Health Organization reports that the United States ranks about 30th in the world for life expectancy, which is disappointing for one of the richest countries in the world.
If you want to extend your lifespan, take some of these tips from the world’s oldest citizens.
1. Balance The Meat
While meat is an important aspect of your diet, fruit and vegetables are, too. Countries that live longer tend to focus primarily on diets that are packed with fruit and vegetables – so, enjoy meat just twice a week and stick to whole foods the rest of the time. According to the UK’s NHS, eating too much red meat increases your risk of colorectal cancer.
2. Eat Live Foods
Live foods are those fresh and whole foods – organic meats and produce, and whole grains. Dead foods are those that are found in the boxes and packages on your supermarket’s shelves. They contain preservatives to extend their shelf life and make them look fresher. That doesn’t benefit your health.
3. Ginger
It’s commonly used in both Chinese cooking and for medicinal purposes. It’s helpful for digestive issues, but it’s also a great pain reliever and inflammation reducer. Moreover, it may prevent migraines and blood clots.
4. Eat Brown Rice
Before rice is white… it’s brown. Bet you didn’t know that! To get white rice the outer shell is hulled leaving the nutrient-free white rice remains. The coating is where all the vitamins and nutrients live, in fact, over 70 of them including vitamin E and CoQ-10.
5. Don’t Forget Sea Vegetables
Sea vegetables are packed with calcium (far more than like), protein (more than eggs), iron (even more than beef), and even more micronutrients – so, the next time you make sushi – use brown rice and feel good about eating that seaweed. Additionally, the nutrients from sea vegetables are believed to help detox, improve weight loss, and reduce water retention.
6. Mushrooms, Sea Salt, Sesame & Sugar
Don’t underestimate the health benefits of the foods you eat. When it comes to mushrooms there are over 100,000 types, but only around 700 or so are edible. While it depends on the type, many are anti-aging and contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and more – all of which work to protect your immune system, reduce your cholesterol, and balance your blood sugar levels, too.
Ditch table salt and embrace the beauty of sea salt. You’ll find around 60 trace minerals in your sea salt to aid in detoxing and balance your body’s ph. Something else that is great for your health is sesame, whether it’s the seeds or the oils. It’s great for protecting your bowels, and serves as a preventative measure against cancer, thanks to its phytic acid content.
Sugar is something that infests the diet of every American, in fact, did you know the average American is consuming close to 152 lbs. of sugar annually? Your body stores this as fat, which leaves you at greater risk of cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Start looking at the food labels to see the hidden sugars in the foods you eat daily.
7. Go Organic
The majority of animal and produce products that sit on the shelves in your grocery store are laden with antibiotics, hormones, and pesticides. Where possible, you should go organic to avoid putting those things into your body. If you’re cutting back to meat just two or three days a week you can afford to go organic.
A helpful tip on shopping for organic produce is to buy organic when you’re dealing with soft fruits and vegetables. When there’s a hard or thick skin involved, you can go with the standard produce as it protects itself better against these chemicals and toxins.
8. Stress Management & Good Sleep
Stress impacts our overall health more than we care to admit, and as it attacks your heart health and beyond, it’s shortening your lifespan. One of the most effective ways to beat stress is by getting a good night’s sleep.
Other helpful ways to manage your stress include self-care and learning how to get your work-life balance right.