5 foods for longevity proven by science

According to an old saying, health is wealth and while eating nutritious foods can help people achieve optimal health, most experts believe it may also aid people to live longer.

Here is a list of the top five foods for longevity that are based on science.

SPICY FOODS

CNN reports that according to associate professor  Lu Qi from Harvard School of Public Health, there is now a mounting evidence about the benefits of spicy foods on human health and that includes longevity. This is due to capsaicin, a bioactive compound present in chili peppers that is said to help in fat metabolism. Furthermore, traditional medical practitioners claim that it can also help fight off infection and help promote healthy heart, kidney and lungs.

PLANT-BASED FOODS

NPR reports that based on the book of Dan Buettner, an explorer for the National Geographic, called "The Blue Zones Solution", people who live in either Europe, Asia, Latin America and the US have shown higher possibility of living longer. Buettner writes that according to his findings, people from this region has eaten mostly plants like legumes and beans. They were also rarely seen chowing down on meat and if they do, it's only for a small amount.

SALMON

Being the best source of omega-3 fatty acids, this delicious fish can help reduce the risk of hypertension, arrhythmia, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, and heart disease, writes Everyday Health. Other studies have also linked salmon to decreased possibility of cognitive decline and dementia. Furthermore, besides being delicious, it has low mercury content, making it the safe to eat on a weekly basis.

FLAXSEEDS

A good source of fiber and considered as one of the best superfoods, this type of seeds can easily help individuals lose weight and according to some studies, reduce breast cancer risk, The Huffington Post writes. Fiber aids in digestion transition time and the recommended 35 milligrams servings will definitely increase the chances of achieving optimal health and longer life. Why, even during the Stone Age, these seeds are known to be such party favorites!

BERRIES

Everyday Health adds that berries, particularly blueberries, are scientifically-proven to boost longevity because of its antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. These immune system booster can guard cells from free radicals thus preventing inflammation and damage. Furthermore, they can also protect the body from certain cancer, heart disease, stroke and other age-related brain disorders like Alzheimer's Disease, dementia and Parkinson’s Disease.