Recipes And Foods That Will Make Your Life Longer And Better (2024)

Recipes And Foods That Will Make Your Life Longer And Better (1)

You may not need to cut calories or invest in a sex robot to add years to your life -- simply eating more of the healthy foods that are already in your kitchen could help increase your longevity, according to "The Longevity Kitchen," by Rebecca Katz and Mat Edelson.

"As a society, we're embracing -- or at least really curious about -- living not just long lives, but long healthy lives, and doing so at least in part through the foods we eat," the authors write. "...It's as though scientists all over the world have confimed that Grandma instinctively knew when she said, 'Eat this. It's good for you.'"

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The book includes over 100 recipes "for vitality and optimal health," as well as tips for healthy eating. Check out some of the recipes below and our slideshow of the top 16 age-busting power foods.

Recipes And Foods That Will Make Your Life Longer And Better (2)

Roasted Asparagus Salad with Arugula and Hazelnuts
Makes 4 servings

1/3 cup hazelnuts
2 bunches asparagus (about 2 pounds), tough ends snapped off and discarded, then peeled (see note)
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Freshly ground pepper
4 cups loosely packed arugula

Cook’s Note: Peeling the asparagus gets rid of the stringy, sometimes tough outer layer and exposes the sweet flesh underneath. To peel it, use a regular vegetable peeler with a light touch to shave off just the skin. This technique is not necessary with thin asparagus spears.

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Put the hazelnuts on a rimmed baking sheet. Put them in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes as it preheats, until aromatic and browned. Transfer to a plate or, if you’d like to remove the skins for a more refined texture and appearance, wrap them in a towel and give them a good rub. The majority of the skins will come right off. Coarsely chop the hazelnuts.

Put the asparagus on the same baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with the 2 teaspoons of olive oil and generously sprinkle with salt. Toss gently to evenly coat the asparagus. Bake for 8 minutes, until just barely tender.

Put the lemon juice, the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and a few grinds of pepper in a small bowl and mix well with a small whisk.

Put the arugula in a large bowl. Drizzle with half of the dressing and toss until evenly coated. Mound the arugula on individual plates or a platter and arrange the asparagus on top. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and sprinkle the hazelnuts on top.

Variation: Substitute toasted pistachios or walnuts for the hazelnuts.

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

PER SERVING: Calories: 190; Total Fat: 15.5 g (2 g saturated, 12 g monounsaturated); Carbohydrates: 12 g; Protein: 7 g; Fiber: 6 g; Sodium: 210 mg

Recipes And Foods That Will Make Your Life Longer And Better (3)

Minted Guacamole with Pomegranate Seeds
Makes 1 cup

2 avocados, halved and flesh scooped out
2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Pinch of cayenne
3 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (see note)

Put the avocado in a bowl and mash with a fork until mostly smooth. Add the onion, cilantro, mint, lime juice, salt, and cayenne and stir until well combined. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the pomegranate seeds and garnish with the remaining tablespoon of pomegranate seeds.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
PER SERVING: (2 tablespoons per serving) Calories: 85; Total Fat: 7.5 g (1 g saturated, 5 g monounsaturated); Carbohydrates: 5.5 g; Protein: 1 g; Fiber: 4 g; Sodium: 57 mg

Cook’s Notes: Here’s a quick trick for removing pomegranate seeds from the fruit. Cut the pomegranate in half crosswise. Then, working over a large bowl, hold one half with the cut side facing down, into the bowl. Give the uncut side of the fruit a few good whacks with the back of a large wooden spoon to release the seeds. When pomegranates are in season, I buy several and store the seeds in an airtight container in the freezer to use throughout the year. They make any dish pop with color and flavor.

I like to serve this guacamole with jicama sticks. Take a vegetable peeler to the jicama, then cut it in half with a sharp knife. Cut the halves into 1/2-inch-wide strips, then turn the strips onto their side and repeat the process, cutting them into 1/2-inch-wide strips. To store the jicama strips, put them in a bowl, add cold water to cover, and mix in the juice of 1 lime or lemon. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Recipes And Foods That Will Make Your Life Longer And Better (4)

Insanely Good Chocolate Brownies
Makes 16 brownies

1/3 cup almond flour, homemade or store-bought
1/3 cup brown rice flour
2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
8 ounces dark chocolate (68 to 72 percent cacao content), chopped
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 organic eggs
1/3 cup Grade B maple syrup
1/3 cup maple sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional), toasted

Cook’s Note: You can also use a 9 by 6-inch baking pan. If you do, the baking time will be only about 25 minutes.

Who Knew? Cacao content is the amount of pure cacao products (chocolate liquor, cocoa butter and cocoa powder) used in the chocolate; the higher the percentage, the more antioxidants the chocolate contains. And if you’re into addition by subtraction, higher cacao percentages mean lower sugar content.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan (see note) with two pieces of foil long enough to overlap on all four sides. Lightly oil the foil.

Put the almond flour, brown rice flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt in a bowl and stir with a whisk to combine.

Put half of the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Heat, stirring often, just until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and whisk in the olive oil.

Crack the eggs into a large bowl and whisk until frothy. Slowly add the maple syrup and maple sugar, whisking all the while, and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth. Add the vanilla extract, then gradually add the chocolate, whisking vigorously all the while, and continue whisking until smooth and glossy.

Add the flour mixture and beat for about 1 minute. Stir in the remaining chocolate and the walnuts. Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool to room temperature in the pan, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into 16 brownies.

Variation: For brownies that are more fudgy, replace the rice flour with another 1/3 cup of almond flour.

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

PER SERVING: (1 brownie per serving) Calories: 130; Total Fat: 9 g (2.5 g saturated, 5 g monounsaturated); Carbohydrates: 10 g; Protein: 2 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sodium: 64

Reprinted with permission from "The Longevity Kitchen: Satisfying, Big-Flavor Recipes Featuring the Top 16 Age-Busting Power Foods" by Rebecca Katz with Mat Edelson, copyright © 2013. Published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group. Photo Credit: Leo Gong.

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Recipes And Foods That Will Make Your Life Longer And Better (5)

16 Foods Good For Longevity

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Recipes And Foods That Will Make Your Life Longer And Better (2024)

FAQs

What is the best food to eat to live longer? ›

The Best Foods for Longevity & How to Eat Them
  1. Nuts. Nuts offer healthy unsaturated fats, fiber, micronutrients, and antioxidants—and walnuts, specifically, provide the highest levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fats and antioxidants. ...
  2. Mushrooms. ...
  3. Green Tea. ...
  4. Berries. ...
  5. Fatty Fish. ...
  6. Dark Leafy Greens. ...
  7. Avocado. ...
  8. Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Oct 25, 2023

What kind of beans add 4 years to your life? ›

And according to Blue Zones' founder Dan Buettner, various types of beans including fava beans, black beans, soy beans, and lentils are the cornerstone of most centenarian diets. This means that the longest-living populations tend to enjoy a lot of beans and reap their protective benefits.

What are the 3 most important foods you can eat for healthy aging? ›

Fruits and vegetables (think orange, red, green and purple) Whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat pasta) Low-fat dairy (milk and its alternatives)

What foods activate longevity genes? ›

It can delay the ageing process, but it has to be activated by the right foods,” explains Doctor Gupta. According to the expert, seaweed, and algae are touted as key components of the Okinawan diet that activate the body's genes. Another beneficial fruit is the bitter melon, adds the expert.

What foods increase your life expectancy by 33 minutes? ›

Of all the included foods, a beef hotdog in a bun was associated with the greatest loss of life per serving (−36 minutes), whereas a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich was associated with the greatest extension of life per serving (+33 minutes).

What foods slow down aging? ›

Foods that support aging also include nuts, yogurt, whole grains — such as black rice — and fatty fish, such as salmon. Green tea and raw honey may be helpful as well. Such foods can help with some of the visible signs of skin aging, along with systemic signs, such as thinning bones and cognitive function.

What food helps you live to 120? ›

The researcher eats a plant-rich diet that includes seafood three times a week. Fish is one source of protein, though his main source comes from legumes, including chickpeas or lentils or black beans. He also recommends lots of whole grains, vegetables and generous amounts of olive oil — 3 tablespoons per day.

What single food could you live on the longest? ›

The only food which comes close to being something you could survive on long term as a sole ingredient is the potato. The fact that the potato has Vitamin C means that scurvy is not a risk like it would be with almost any other food source lacking in this nutrient.

What foods age you the most? ›

11 foods that accelerate the aging process of the body
  • Butter. ...
  • Processed meats. ...
  • Milk. ...
  • Soft drinks, energy drinks. ...
  • Alcohol and caffeinated beverages. ...
  • Barbecue. ...
  • Food cooked at high temperature. ...
  • Rice cakes. Although rice cakes are often thought of as a seemingly good snack, this is not true for the skin.

What is the #1 best fruit to slow aging? ›

4 Best Fruits To Slow the Aging Process: Anti-Aging Superfoods
  • Blueberries. Blueberries are one of the most popular anti-aging superfoods out there. ...
  • Apples. Another great fruit for slowing down the aging process is apples. ...
  • Grapefruit. Grapefruit is another great fruit for longevity. ...
  • Pomegranates.
May 31, 2023

Which drink is good for anti-aging? ›

According to a number of studies, drinking red wine could combat signs of ageing with its high antioxidant content. One of the most common antioxidants in red wine is resveratrol, which is great for supporting skin health – making it appear brighter and younger.

What foods rebuild DNA? ›

Lemons, persimmons, strawberries, broccoli, celery, and apples all conferred DNA protection at very low doses. Lemons, for example, were found to cut DNA damage by about a third.

What is the gene that reverses aging? ›

The Klotho gene owes its name to this goddess because of its scientific association with anti-aging properties. By the age of 40, the human body's Klotho levels naturally decrease. Klotho also regulates a protein called Wnt5a that's been shown to advance the spread of cancerous cells and treatment resistance.

How can I live long and age slow? ›

Wise Choices
  1. Get moving.
  2. Eat a healthy diet. Get tips at ChooseMyPlate.gov (USDA)
  3. Pay attention to weight and shape.
  4. Don't smoke or use tobacco.
  5. Keep your brain active.
  6. Be good to yourself.
  7. Get regular medical checkups.
  8. Drink only in moderation if you drink alcohol.

What are the 5 foods to avoid for a long life? ›

Here are eight foods that you should cut down on (or avoid eating altogether) as you get older, and why:
  • Raw or undercooked eggs, meat and poultry. ...
  • Grapefruit. ...
  • High-sodium foods. ...
  • Caffeine. ...
  • Sodas and sugary drinks. ...
  • 6. “ ...
  • Alcoholic beverages. ...
  • Foods with empty calories.
Jul 24, 2022

What are the 7 super foods? ›

Top 7 superfoods to try
  • Superfoods have no agreed-upon definition, but most nutritionists would describe a superfood as a food offering superior nutrition in its class. Genuine superfoods have a high nutrient bang for their calorie buck. ...
  • Beetroot. ...
  • Blackcurrants. ...
  • Cold-pressed nut oils. ...
  • Watermelon seeds. ...
  • Algae. ...
  • Offal. ...
  • Turmeric.

What increases life expectancy? ›

' But with common sense, healthy habits such as regular exercise, a healthy weight, avoiding red meat, not smoking, and managing stress, it can be 'the older you get, the healthier you've been,'” Perls says. The key to healthy aging is to engage fully in life—mentally, physically, and socially.

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