SHAFAQNA-
How to live longer is a question many people want to know the answer to, and simple lifestyle changes have been proven to extend life expectancy. As well as regular exercise, being social and not smoking, eating the right foods has been deemed beneficial.
A vegetarian diet has a reputation for being one of the healthiest, but do vegetarians actually live longer, or should we be including meat in our diets?
Looking at the communities in the world with the longest life expectancies, this who eat a mainly plant-based diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables have been found to live a prosperous existence, say medical consultant Dr. Sarah Brewer and dietician Juliette Kellow, express.co.uk wrote.
The pair reveal the benefits of a plant-based diet in their book titled ‘Eat better Live Longer’.
They explain: “Studies show that diets based mainly on plants are linked to a reduction in mortality, and from cardiovascular disease especially.”
One of the key ingredients of a plant-based diet is fiber, as only plants contain this vital nutrient.
As well as making it easier to stay a healthy weight, fiber can help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and bowel complaints, which all contribute to long life.
Heart disease
The ladies write: “Wholegrains – a good source of fiber – are linked to better heart health.
“Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol, too.”
Stroke
They say: “A study in 2013 showed that increasing fiber intake by seven grams a day may be associated with a seven percent fall in the risk of stroke.”
Diabetes
“Soluble fiber slows sugar absorption into the blood,” they advise.
“Better blood sugar control helps to protect against insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.”
Cancer
They say: “According to the World Cancer Research Fund, a high-fiber diet may help to reduce the risk of bowel cancer.”
Bowel complaints
“Fiber protects against diverticular disease and constipation by helping stools pass quickly,” reveal the pair.
They add: “And it feeds gut bacteria.”
But including meat in your diet has also been found to boost longevity.
Scandinavian’s famously eat meat and countries in this region, such as Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland, rank highly in the life expectancy stakes.