Six Most Important Foods for Longevity and Good Health

One of the great puzzles in life: why we know what is the right thing to do but another part of us pulls us in the wrong direction, like Gollum, the tormented Hobbit from Lord of the Rings. We know we should eat the right foods, do the right exercises and have a positive attitude, but despite those best intentions it just doesn't always happen!

If you're like me you struggle to form great habits in the face of Gollum-like temptations. Nothing helps you more than good easy to digest information I offer you below. And it concerns one of the great challenges of the modern Western World in the last 70 years: eating healthy.

You and I are barraged with advertising and ad pressure to eat more sugar, salt, bad fats and refined carbohydrates. Society ends up with epidemics of obesity, diabetes and other diet related problems. So let's remind ourselves there are lots of tasty foods out there that can help you live longer and live well longer. Here are six of my favourites:

Leafy greens: Kale, spinach, collard greens, and other leafy greens are loaded with nutrients such as vitamin K, vitamin C, and calcium. They also contain antioxidants that help protect the body against damage from free radicals. Now they are sold, washed in boxes ready to eat you just have to throw some dressing on and munch away.

Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and other berries are high in antioxidants, which help protect the body against damage from free radicals. They also contain fiber and vitamins that support overall health. I always buy organic berries in Costco where they have the best prices. And I throw them on cereal every morning!

Nuts and Seeds: Talking of cereal, I make my own from a a keto recipe I found online years ago and modify to suit. Try it here! It includes nuts and seeds, like almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and other nuts and seeds that are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein. They can help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and improve brain function.

Whole grains: Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health. They also help regulate blood sugar levels and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Not a favourite of mine. I prefer a low carb diet. But better than refined carbs like white bread and cup cakes!

Fish: Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can help protect against heart disease and other chronic conditions. Sardines are my preferred fish for health. They have the lowest level of mercury of any fish.

Fermented foods: Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut contain probiotics, which help promote a healthy gut microbiome. They also contain nutrients such as vitamin K2, which supports bone health. I was really impressed with a recent study that showed fermented foods improved your gut health more than fiber rich foods, the opposite of what the researchers were expecting! So, most days I'll have some organic kefir and yogurt with cereal, Costco kombucha to drink and a side of kimchi with dinner or lunch sometimes.

It has taken years of reading and reinforcing good habits but it's worth it and I mostly feel great and 30 years younger than I am!