Most of us hope to enjoy plenty of leisure, time with family, and perhaps travel or other hobbies after retirement. But off course, time is always factor. Not only do you hope to have plenty of time to live out your retirement dreams; you also hope to be healthy enough to make the most of that time.
Longevity is influenced by a number of factors, such as genetics and environment, which you can’t always control. Luckily there are a few things you can do, to increase your odds of a long and healthy life, such as your dietary choices, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful habits.
While there’s no magical fountain of youth that guarantees everyone a longer lifespan, we do know that that certain foods ward off health complications like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, strokes, and more. The following 22 foods are recommended by nutritionists and doctors, to improve health and possibly help you live longer.
- Leafy greens
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, etc)
- Sweet Potatoes
- Mushrooms
- Avocados
- Plums and prunes
- Berries of all types
- Legumes
- Eggs
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Fermented foods (kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, etc)
- Alliums (garlic, onions, leeks, chives, etc)
- Chia seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Turmeric
- Fatty fish (such as salmon)
- Greek yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Coffee
- Tea
- Cacao
Moderation is always key, so don’t feel as though you must eat massive quantities of any particular food. Mostly, you want to pursue a healthy, well-rounded diet, and fit the above foods into your eating plan whenever possible. Consult with a qualified nutritionist to learn more about dietary choices to support health and longevity.
As always, consult with your primary physician if you’re worried about your risk for any particular health problems. He or she can advise you on steps you can take to reduce that risk.