Live better longer

Two articles caught my eye this mornings paper. An analysis from Oxford University published in The Lancet showed a direct correlation between body mass index (BMI) and longevity.

The researchers followed nearly one million people in The USA and Europe for between 10 and 15 years and found that the greater the BMI, the shorter the life expectancy. Those with a BMI of 30-35 died 3 years earlier than otherwise expected Those with a BMI over 40 “lost” 10 years off their expected life span. The main reasons for this was heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease.

Whilst these studies always rely on statistics and methodologies can always be questioned even if you halve the figures it is still significant

The other piece was about Alzheimer’s disease. The likelihood of getting this can be reduced by 40% according to research from the University of Illinois, by simply eating “brain food”. This means foods with antioxidants and colour such as blueberries, red grapes and the spice turmeric (see Add some colour to your life March 8) . These foods contain antioxidants like vitamin C and E and also folic acid. Exercise both physical and mental was also important.

Living longer and keeping your mental facilities going is as simple as putting the rights sorts of fuels into your body and keeping yourself active.

Tip for the day

Eat some grapes and blueberries