5 Tips to longevity: Eat like a centenarian

Dr Mao.png Dr. Mao Shing Ni; Image source:  

Dr. Mao Shing Ni is a nutritionist and cookbook author who says that the key to longevity is all in what you eat. He has an impressive resume, with a family history of 38 generations who have practiced traditional medicine and a 25 year long study of centenarians in China. His bestselling cookbook The Secrets of Longevity Cookbook reveals how according to him “A balanced diet truly is the cornerstone to your longevity and healthy food is the greatest healer of all.”

According to Dr. Mao the body was built to live as much as 100 years. He provides the following tips on how to turn back the clock of aging through a balanced diet:

  1. Eat five smalls meals a day.

  2. Consume more plants like fruits and vegetables.

  3. Stay away from foods that can age you rapidly like foods high in fat or processed products.

  4. Eat specifically to target serious health conditions like weight loss, heart health, immunity and tissue inflammations.

  5. Stock up on anti-aging foods like corn, peanuts, pumpkin, walnuts, sesame seeds, shiitake mushrooms, green tea, seaweed, sweet potatoes and black beans.

Of course diet alone will not help you to live a long and healthy life. A balanced diet coupled with an active lifestyle will promote longevity. In many cultures, such as that of China, people stay active in their day to day lives. Being active may mean a daily exercise routine for some. While for others it may mean taking advantage of opportunities to be more physical, such as walking to run errands or adopting a new hobby that gets you outside or moving more often.