These Summer Fruits Promote Longevity. Eat Them Without Guilt

The authors of a large-scale study on the impact of everyday diet on lifespan have reached interesting conclusions. Observations lasting a decade have resulted in the discovery that including foods such as berries, apples, or dark chocolate in the diet increases the chances of longevity. The secret to the health-promoting effects of these products is the high content of organic chemical compounds that naturally occur in plants.

Longevity is a subject that has long fascinated researchers. To date, a number of studies have been conducted to determine how to most effectively increase one's chances of a long and healthy life. Scientists include prioritizing sleep, limiting stimulants, and regular physical activity among the main factors.

In this context, the daily diet is also of great importance, as evidenced by communities living in the so-called blue zones - areas where the highest number of centenarians is recorded. The key to success seems to be a rational approach to nutrition.

"Their eating patterns include eating a large breakfast, eating mostly plant foods, drinking alcohol in moderation and reserving sweets for special occasions," dietitian Amy Davis told Real Simple magazine.

More detailed information on the diet that promotes longevity has been provided by scientists from Edith Cowan University in Australia, Queen's University Belfast and the Medical University of Vienna . In a 10-year study, they analyzed data from 120,000 participants. It turned out that people who ate foods rich in flavonoids had a lower risk of premature death.

Flavonoids are organic chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants such as berries, apples, citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, broccoli, and cocoa beans . Researchers suggest that if we want to prevent chronic diseases, we should put fruits and vegetables on our plates as often as possible, and drink tea between meals, which is also a real treasure trove of these extremely valuable substances. Perhaps the healthiest dessert that promotes longevity is chocolate with a high cocoa content.

Berries/photo Unsplash Maksym Sirman

- Flavonoid consumption of 500 mg per day was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of death from any cause, and a 10 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This amount of flavonoids can be found in two cups of tea. It is most desirable to consume a variety of foods containing these compounds - concludes Dr. Benjamin Parmenter, co-author of the study, in the academic journal Nature Food.