The path of aging can be viewed as a bothersome, inevitable part of life to some. Those invested in the journey often look to various methods of biohacking as a way to lengthen what can be considered a short life span. The average life expectancy for women is 80 years old and 74 years old for men. Living to 100 years old may seem inconceivable but the reality is that there are individuals living past 100 years old. According to the Pew Research Center, our global world is home to 722,000 centenarians most of whom live in Asian countries such as Japan and China (Schaeffer, 2024).
The number of centenarians currently living is expected to quadruple over the next 30 years. Will people begin to live past 200 and 300 years old in the near future? As scientific discoveries continue to be made and longevity focused breakthroughs are attained, humans will live longer and more intelligently.
What are the main factors at play that allow some to live to 100? Is it genetic, lifestyle, environmental or a combination of these three? Bernando LaPallo, a Brazilian born American immigrant provided insight into the main factors that helped him to live to 114 years old. LaPallo believed in the saying, “You Are What you Eat.” He spoke about his diet and the 5 ingredients that he believes helped him achieve long life. The five ingredients that he named are all simple, standalone ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store.
The five ingredients are chocolate, garlic, cinnamon, olive oil and honey. He also stated that he eats organic fruits and vegetables and walks almost every morning. He learned his eating habits from his father, a doctor, who also told him to stay away from red meat. Though he lived to be 114 years old, he chose to heed his dad’s advice for health and it certainly worked for him.
Bernando also stated that he kept his mind sharp through reading, doing crossword puzzles and playing checkers. Alzheimer’s and dementia are diseases that many elderly individuals struggle with but Bernardo is a testimony that it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s often a matter of choice and ensuring that one chooses well. Humans can choose to eat healthy and refrain from eating meat but most will not. Once an individual prioritizes health and makes the choices necessary that will lead to optimal health, living to 100 will be an easier feat.
What’s So Beneficial about these 5 Ingredients?
Chocolate- The benefits of chocolate are numerous. Chocolate can help prevent cancer and is also anti-inflammatory. It contains antioxidants that can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
Garlic- Garlic is especially helpful in preventing memory issues and slows down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The main component in garlic, allicin, acts as a natural antibiotic and helps to rid the body of toxins and intestinal parasites.
Olive Oil- Olive oil has many heart health benefits and can reduce the risk of heart disease. Olive oil is beneficial in increasing good cholesterol and lowering bad cholesterol. Olive oil should always be cold pressed and extra virgin (EVOO). Olive oil contains phenolic compounds that help to improve the blood brain barrier’s functioning.
Cinnamon- Cinnamon is another natural ingredient that is essential for maintaing heart health and regulation of blood sugar levels. It can help to slow down the speed at which food leaves the stomach. It can act as aid for weight loss and gut health.
Honey- Honey contains antimicrobial and antibacterial elements. The flavanoids and polyphenols in honey can reduce inflammation in the body. It can be a helpful anti-inflammatory aid in certain gastrointestinal conditions. Honey actually acts as an alkaline agent when consumed. It also protects the nervous and respiratory systems. If one is going to consume sugar, honey should be the primary option. Though honey has an abundance of benefits, it’s still sugar and best to limit intake to 2-3 tablespoons per day.
Schaeffer, K. (2024, January 9). U.S. centenarian population is projected to quadruple over the next 30 years. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/01/09/us-centenarian-population-is-projected-to-quadruple-over-the-next-30-years/#:~:text=The%20world%20is%20home%20to,than%20the%20Census%20Bureau’s%20estimate.
By: Dr. Mechelle Eleene
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