The actress, known for her role as Bond Girl Solitaire in the 1973 James Bond movie Live or Let Die, prioritises health foods and exercise
Jane Seymour has opened up about her secret to graceful ageing, following her 74th birthday. The actress, known for her role as Bond Girl Solitaire in the 1973 James Bond movie Live or Let Die, said that ‘dieting’ isn’t exactly her style.
Instead, she advises people to find fresh, healthy foods they genuinely enjoy. That way, they can stay on track and reap the benefits without ‘feeling shorted’. “I love the Mediterranean way of eating, it works so well and it tastes good, it includes a lot of delicious food like tomatoes, olives and fish,” she told MailOnline in a recent interview.
“…I love fish and vegetables, and grow many greens in my back yard which I love to use.” Jane certainly isn’t alone in her praise for the Mediterranean diet.
Various studies also suggest its components may serve a crucial role in reducing heart disease risk, at a time when related conditions are responsible for over 170,000 deaths per year in the UK. One such study includes peer-reviewed research from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, which singled out garlic, saffron, olives, rosemary, and grapes for their benefits.
Last year, its authors wrote: “Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of global mortality, accounting for 32% of deaths in 2019. Plant-based extracts, rich in bioactive compounds, have significantly contributed to modern medicine, offering therapeutic potential for various diseases.
“However, their use is limited by possible side effects, drug interactions, and a lack of comprehensive preclinical and clinical studies. This review [aimed] to provide an overview of the mechanisms of action, clinical evidence, and adverse effects of key bioactive compounds derived from select Mediterranean plants, integral to the Mediterranean diet.”
Beyond this, Jane revealed that she’s a ‘savoury person’, regularly snacking on nuts like pistachios, as well as cucumber, celery and hummus. She also believes it is key to stay active, prioritising various activities including weight-lifting and Pilates.
Although Pilates is frequently confused with yoga, the latter is often slower and focused on holding stances, while Pilates is more about core strength. Doing Pilates is especially beneficial for anyone looking to shed pounds or tone up, though it may help in the recovery of certain health problems too.
Back pain, scoliosis and arthritis are among the conditions that certain Pilates-style exercises are recommended for, with the NHS sharing several example tutorials on its website. Yet, advice from the health authority stresses that ‘more research is needed’ on the subject and it’s worth speaking to a doctor before following classes.
Jane continued: “[Being over 50] is really a time to thrive because a lot of the hard stuff is behind you.”