Researchers found that eating foods rich in antioxidants, like vegetables and fruits, fights disease and may prolong life.

Certain groups of people enjoy exceptionally long lives. Consider the lucky people of Okinawa. They have an average life expectancy of more than 81 years, compared to 78 in the United States and a worldwide average of just 67.

A growing body of evidence suggests that diet is one of the important contributors tolongevity and healthy living. Here’s what’s on the menu of people who enjoy long and healthy lives.

Fruits and vegetables

Eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may reducerisk for heart disease, including heart attack, stroke, and may protect against certain types of cancers.

Nuts

Nuts were banished from the list of healthy foods because they’re high in fat. This is true, but the fat they contain is mostly unsaturated, which protects against heart disease.

Whole grains

Packed with fiber and nutrients, whole grains are also low in calories. Oats and barley are rich in a long list of disease-fighting compounds.

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston reported that people whose diets included plenty of whole grains and fruit cut their heart disease risk by almost half compared to those whose diets favored meat and fatty foods.

Low-salt foods

Less salt in the diet means lower blood pressure. Researchers suggest that keeping blood pressure down may also protect brain cells and decrease the risk of age-related memory loss.

Dark green leafy vegetables

New York (Reuters Health): Eating lots of green leafy veggies such as broccoli, spinach, kale…may be tied to less disease and longer life, suggests a new study.

They’re packed with vitamins — A, B, K, and others — but also rich in essential minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium, as well as antioxidants, which protect cells against damage.

Source: lifehealthandfood.com