Staying in Shape May Increase Lifespan; Try these Foods for Longevity

If you wish to live healthy and long life, it is now time to reduce weight and stay in shape. According to the study published in the Journal Nature Communications, reducing weight and staying in shape may prolong life expectancy by two months. The study showed that the people who are overweight cut their life expectancy by two months for every extra kilogram of weight they gain. Cigarette smoking and traits associated with lung cancer also had the greatest impact on shortening lifespan. Moreover, body fat and other factors linked to diabetes also have a negative influence on life expectancy.

"Our study has estimated the causal effect of lifestyle choices. We found that, on average, smoking a pack a day reduces lifespan by seven years, whilst losing one kilogram of weight will increase your lifespan by two months," said Peter Joshi, a researcher at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

For the study, the team of researchers took the data from 25 separate population studies and analysed genetic information from more than 6,00,000 people alongside records of their parents' lifespan. People share half of the genetic information with each of their parents. Therefore, certain lifestyle factors become highly influenced by some genes that further impacts life expectancy of people, like increased alcohol consumption and addiction.

Here are some foods that may increase your life expectancy-

1. Ginger

The presence of various antioxidants makes ginger a superfood for increasing life expectancy. It is believed that it contains about 25 different types of antioxidants. Antioxidants fight disease causing free radicals in the body and protect against a host of health risks like heart trouble, arthritis and cancer.

2. Cardamom

It is said that drinking cardamom tea is known to be the secret of longevity. It helps in flushing out toxins and keeps your internal systems clean.

3. Ajwain

Ajwain seeds are heart friendly. They contain niacin and thymol that maintain heart health. Ajwain also acts as a natural antibiotic.

4. Honey

Honey is considered to be one of the top superfoods as it has been used a great beauty ingredient that can help slow down signs of ageing. It is full of natural minerals and living enzymes that fortifies your immune system.

With Inputs from IANS