New Research Reveals: Foods Recommended to Add 10 Years to Your Life

A new study published in the scientific journal PLOS Medicine last week lists foods that can extend your life by 10 years. It is a compilation of data from numerous studies examining the relationship between diet and longevity, as well as data collected from a global study on the health and nutrition indices of different populations worldwide.

During the study, researchers examined how dietary habits related to the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, refined grains, nuts, legumes, fish, eggs, dairy products, red meat, processed meat, and sweetened beverages impact quality of life.

As you might have guessed, the researchers found that the optimal diet includes more vegetables and fruits, legumes, whole grains (oats, barley, and brown rice), and nuts, and less red meat, high-fat dairy products, sugary foods, and processed foods.

The researchers noted that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts from age 20 increases life expectancy by more than 10 years.

Even those who transition to the optimal diet at age 60 can increase their life expectancy by 8 years. Those aged 80 who make this dietary change will gain longevity and an additional 3.5 years.

The researchers considered the difficulty of changing dietary habits and examined the impact of small dietary changes, such as increasing the intake of legumes, whole grains, and nuts or reducing red meat and processed meat. They defined this as a "reasonable diet," as opposed to an "optimal diet." Researchers found that adopting a "reasonable diet" would increase the life expectancy of 20-year-olds by just over 6 years for women and 7 years for men. In all other age groups, adopting a "reasonable diet" increases life expectancy by at least 7%.

The study clearly shows that long-term dietary changes at any age can have significant benefits for life expectancy. The study also suggests that when changes are made in the early stages of life, they have the greatest impact on life expectancy.

However, it is important to note that the study did not take into account past illnesses, which could affect the life expectancy of study participants. Therefore, the health benefits of the diet on life expectancy only reflect an average and may differ for each person depending on various other factors.

The findings of this study strengthen the argument that the Mediterranean diet is currently considered the healthiest in the world. This study adds to previous research suggesting that modest but long-term improvements in diet and lifestyle can have significant health benefits. It is also worth remembering that the optimal diet mentioned in the study, very similar to the principles of the Mediterranean diet, has been proven to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

We, as believing Jews, know that a person's years are determined by Hashem. However, Hashem has commanded us to take care of our health and to make every effort to achieve longevity and serve Him in complete health.

What is Judaism's perspective on maintaining health? Rabbi Zamir Cohen explains: