In rural areas, it is often heard that someone has lived for so long and their entire family is long-lived. Of course, longevity does have something to do with genetics, but not entirely. What specific things are related to longevity? Let's take a look together!
The Secrets to Longevity
1. Walking Can Prolong Life
Harvard Medical School states that engaging in a small amount of exercise every day can increase lifespan.
For example, if you walk briskly for 75 minutes every week, your lifespan can be extended by 1.8 years compared to those who do not exercise at all after the age of 40.
75 minutes is just the minimum level; if you can walk briskly for more than 450 minutes per week, you can extend your lifespan by 4.5 years.
2. Doing Household Chores Can Prolong Life
Experts from Harvard University and Stanford University in the United States have developed an energy consumption table for household chores: sweeping the floor for 15 minutes burns about 60 calories;
hand washing clothes for 1 hour burns about 190 calories; washing dishes for 15 minutes burns about 45 calories.
They also concluded that consuming 2000 calories through household chores every week can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and death by 75% compared to those who do not engage in household chores, and lifespan may be extended by 3-10 years.
3. Using Your Brain Can Prolong Life
Keeping your brain active can increase your lifespan by 4.6 years.
A study in Denmark showed that people who keep their brains active and busy are much less likely to develop cognitive impairments than those who stare at walls all day.
4. Socializing Can Prolong Life
The American Journal of Internal Medicine published a study by researchers from the University of California that followed 1600 people over the age of 60 for 6 years. They found that elderly people who frequently feel lonely have a reduced lifespan of 6 years.
Four Foods That Can Help with Longevity
1. Millet
Millet porridge is easily absorbed by the body and is called "health rice" by nutrition experts.
Millet porridge has the effects of invigorating the stomach, promoting digestion, nourishing the kidney and qi, clearing heat and detoxification, and is beneficial to the intestines. It is used to treat symptoms such as spleen and stomach heat, nausea and vomiting, thirst, and diarrhea.
Millet is best mixed with soybeans.
2. Tofu
Tofu is mainly composed of protein and isoflavones.
Tofu has the effects of invigorating qi, nourishing deficiency, reducing blood lead levels, protecting the liver, and promoting metabolism. Eating tofu regularly is beneficial to health, beauty, and intellectual development.
Elderly people who often eat tofu have good therapeutic effects on conditions such as arteriosclerosis and osteoporosis.
3. Nuts
Nuts have the function of protecting blood vessels. They contain beneficial unsaturated fatty acids, various vitamins, and minerals for the human body.
It is recommended to eat a small amount of nuts every day, up to 20 grams, such as a handful of sunflower seeds or about 10 pistachios.
Usually, eating nuts half an hour after dinner is more effective because nuts have a certain stomach-nourishing effect, which can help with the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
4. Tomatoes
These ripe red tomatoes in summer are full of fragrance and lycopene, an antioxidant that helps prevent certain cancers.
Tomatoes also provide rich vitamin A and C, potassium, and phytochemicals. It is good to eat tomatoes with every meal.
