Separating truth from fad, nutrition specialist Adeline Bennett evaluates the most scientifically confirmed dietary habits for longevity. Her study finds some shared patterns among the populations living longest in the world.
With decades of studies demonstrating its advantages for heart health and cognitive ability, the Mediterranean diet ranks first on Adeline’s list. She points out how much olive oil, fatty fish, almonds, and lots of veggies it emphasises. Rich in purple sweet potatoes and bitter melon, the Okinawan diet also displays amazing lifespan effects.
Adeline notes that all science-backed longevity diets share key characteristics:
- Plant-forward but not necessarily vegetarian
- High in healthy fats and fiber
- Low in processed foods and sugars
- Incorporation of fermented foods
Fascinatingly, she notes that whether via cultural fasting or smaller portions, these conventional diets inevitably have times of reduced calorie consumption. Adeline’s observation? Though there is no one “best” longevity diet, we may modify ideas to fit our own tastes and needs.
