I’ve been talking about the Blue Zone study in the last few months. The Blue Zones are the places where the average age of population is significantly higher. Earth’s 5 Blue Zones hold the most centenarians and their wisdom on longevity of life. Why do some live longer than others? The longest living woman resides in Italy. She just celebrated her 115th birthday. What secrets could she share with us?
The latest thoughts on the subject are that longevity can be influenced by genetics (10%), environment (50%), and diet & exercise (40%). What this means is that although we can’t control our genes, it can’t determine our fates either. The things we can control have a greater say in our longevity.
One dietary strategy promoting our longevity is to eat superfoods daily that enhance our immunity. If our immune systems remains strong and healthy, so do we. “G-BOMBS” is a powerful acronym detailing out various food types to eat daily. G-BOMBS stand for Greens, Beans, Onions, Mushrooms, Berries, and Seeds.
Greens are no surprise on this list as there are so many phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in our plant-based nutrition. Also there are so many varieties and tastes to accommodate even the selective eaters. Add some kale or spinach to your meal today!
Beans are a term used to describe all plant-based proteins, including dals, legumes, pulses, and peas. They are the tiny seeds of life to a plant, and consist of good proteins. Red lentils are my favorite.
Onions are protective alliums, and when combined with garlic become ideal remedies for cold and flu infections. People who consume onions and garlic regularly can have up to 56% reduction in their risk of colorectal cancers.
Mushrooms are a category of fungus with many different varieties, shapes, sizes, and flavors. They are shown to be potent anti-cancer nutrition as women that regularly eat mushrooms have a 64% reduction with risk of breast cancer. Think about that the next time you grill a Portobello!
Berries are powerful antioxidants which protect the body from cells going rogue, not to mention a great source of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. They also boost brain function and immunity. My smoothie is not complete without a handful of colorful berries.
Seeds include tasty complementary proteins and fats when combined with other plant-based foods. Seeds have great omega fatty acids which satisfy and complete proteins that aid in immune protection. I enjoy eating pumpkin seeds in cereals, salads, and even smoothies.
When G-Bombs are consciously consumed in a regular diet, one’s immune system becomes stronger and better protects against ailments. So the next time you are choosing what to eat, think G-Bombs for your health!
