7 Life-prolonging Foods

A varied diet should include life-prolonging foods, that is, highly nutritious foods. As a diet made up of several foods with a high nutritional value is more balanced.

We have a wide variety of foods available, however, we don’t know that  maintaining a balanced diet, rich in life-prolonging foods, away from junk food ,  is the best we can do  for our health and well-being. But are there foods that are better than others? Of course.

Healthy foods ​​provide the proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and nutrients we need to keep our energy at good levels.

Why should our diet be balanced?

Because a balanced diet helps us prevent diseases such as:

• Obesity
• Hypertension
• cardiovascular problems
• Anemia .

• osteoporosis

Therefore, our daily diet must include:

• Lots of fruits and vegetables.
• Fish or shellfish at least twice a week.
• Healthy fats such as olive oil and canola oil.
• Dried fruits in small quantities.
• Red meat, in small quantity.
• Antioxidants like broccoli, green tea and tomatoes.

Some Foods That Prolong Life

Below, we present some of the life-prolonging foods, foods of great nutritional value, also called superfoods. Know its properties and incorporate them into your daily diet.

1. Broccoli

It is a plant with a high content of vitamins A and D ,  but it also has antioxidant and nutritional properties. Most of its composition is water, so it can be consumed in large quantities without fear of gaining weight.

Broccoli also contains B vitamins, which promote cardiovascular health. In addition, it contains lutein and zeaxanthin, natural compounds that act to prevent cataracts and macular degeneration of the eye. Furthermore, it  is an easy food to cook and we can enjoy it  after cooking it steamed, grilled or au gratin.

2. Tomato

Another of the life-prolonging foods is tomatoes, an herbaceous plant made up mainly of water and carbohydrates. It provides a lot of vitamin A and C, as well as minerals such as potassium.

Likewise, it  is rich in lycopene, a carotenoid that works as an antioxidant and prevents the onset of chronic and cardiovascular diseases. Depending on the type of culture, the amount of lycopene varies. Thus, the more mature, the greater the amount of lycopene.

3. Lentils

From the legume family,  lentils are as important a source of protein as meat. They contain minerals such as magnesium, zinc and phosphorus, as well as vitamins belonging to the B group, including folic acid. These vitamins contribute to the formation of cells, hormones and red blood cells.

In addition, they  strengthen the immune system and the nervous system, also favoring the work of the intestinal transit preventing constipation. On the other hand, the carbohydrates contained in lentils provide energy for the body, which allows for better physical performance.

4. Chickpea

They contain lecithin, a special type of fat that helps lower cholesterol levels and balance triglycerides in the blood. They also contain soluble fiber, a type of fiber that eliminates fat. They are rich in omega 3 and 6, acids that protect the cardiovascular system and prevent the formation of fatty plaque in the blood.

On the other hand, they  eliminate toxins that can cause cirrhosis or hepatitis, which benefits the liver. In addition, they have a large amount of magnesium that improves circulation, muscles and elasticity of veins and arteries.

5. Avocado

Provides lipids, which increases its caloric value. Contains unsaturated fats such as oleic acid. Furthermore, it is rich in fiber, both soluble and insoluble. On the other hand, it  has minerals such as magnesium and potassium that help with calcium absorption and good cardiovascular function. Regarding its vitamin composition, vitamin E, an excellent antioxidant, as well as vitamin C and B6 are emphasized.

6. Salmon

Salmon or “blue fish”  is rich in omega 3, therefore, it reduces cholesterol levels and the amount of triglycerides in the plasma. It also prevents the formation of thrombi and clots in the blood. And, like the rest of fish, it’s a very good source of protein.

Contains group B vitamins, which contribute to the absorption of energy-contributing nutrients such as fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

7. Dark chocolate

A balanced diet does not necessarily exclude chocolate. In fact,  dark chocolate contains nutrients such  as proteins, fats, carbohydrates and nutrients needed by the body. Among its main components stand out the cocoa seed and carbohydrates.

Cocoa butter contains stearic acid, a saturated acid that does not raise cholesterol. It also contains theobromine, a substance that works as a blood purifier and stimulates blood circulation.

Additional recommendations  

• Divide food into small portions throughout the day, preferably into 5 portions.
• Avoid eating fried foods that are rich in fats and dyes.
• Drink between 2 and 3 liters of water a day.
• Get physical at least 3 times a week.