For millennia, humans have been fascinated with the idea of living forever, seeking immortality through various means like art, achievements, and quests for life-giving objects. While a literal fountain of youth remains elusive, longevity expert Maddy Dychtwald proposes that the key to adding years to your life lies in simple dietary adjustments. As a futurist and co-founder of Age Wave, Dychtwald has dedicated over 40 years to studying how people can live longer, healthier lives. In her latest book, “AGELESS AGING: A Woman’s Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan,” she shares insights on longevity and healthy aging geared towards women.
Here are the top four foods Dychtwald recommends for boosting longevity in women:
- A wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables: Dychtwald emphasizes the importance of eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables rich in polyphenols, which have powerful antioxidant properties and can help reduce inflammation.
- Fermented foods: Including kimchi, sauerkraut, and yogurt, fermented foods can support a healthy gut microbiome and have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Bone broth: Organic bone broth is a nutrient-rich option that promotes healthy body functioning and can reduce inflammation.
- Protein: With age, muscle mass naturally decreases, so Dychtwald suggests incorporating lean proteins like chicken, fish, and plant proteins to maintain muscle mass and support overall health.
Dychtwald also advises limiting the consumption of pro-inflammatory foods such as added sugars, ultra-processed foods, certain vegetable oils, and excessive alcohol. Instead, she recommends choosing anti-inflammatory options like extra-virgin olive oil and maintaining a positive mindset towards aging.
To complement a healthy diet, Dychtwald emphasizes the importance of daily exercise, quality sleep, meditation, and mindfulness practices. By adopting these lifestyle habits, women can enhance their overall well-being and potentially increase their lifespan.
