Dan Buettner, 64, put a spotlight on the elusive ‘Blue Zone’ of Okinawa, Japan, where residents are reportedly more likely to live to 100 years old
An expert has unveiled one ‘longevity superfood’ that’s not only ‘delicious’ but packed with nutrients. Dan Buettner, 64, has dedicated his career to investigating the habits of the world’s oldest people in a bid to help others live to 100 years old.
In a recent TikTok, he shed light on Okinawa, Japan’s enigmatic “Blue Zone”, where residents are reportedly more likely to reach triple digits “at 10 times greater rates than [people] in the United States”. While calorie restriction, regular exercise and even gardening are among the habits they swear by, one local vegetable recently caught Dan’s attention.
“I’m going to show you the one longevity superfood that everybody can afford right here,” he told his 152,000 followers. “Sweet potato, ideally it would be a purple sweet potato from Okinawa, but regular sweet potatoes are just fine.
“They are full of complex carbohydrates, they have protein, they are cheap, they taste delicious, they are full of micronutrients.” In the caption, he then stressed: “Want to live longer? Eat more sweet potatoes.
“…Forget the latest diet trend – longevity is built on simple, whole foods like this.” As Dan suggests, sweet potatoes are rich in ‘complex carbohydrates’ – critical components to long-term health.
Unlike the ‘simple carbohydrates’ found in dairy, processed products and other popular foods, these break down at a slower pace, providing a steady release of energy throughout the day. This attribute makes them essential for cognitive function, digestion, and even weight management.
Advice from the London-based Cleveland Clinic explains: “It takes your body longer to break down complex carbs, so they’re less likely to cause spikes in blood sugar. They also contain vitamins, minerals and fibre that your body needs.
“Simple carbs, on the other hand, digest quickly. So, they tend to spike your blood sugar. Too many simple carbs can contribute to weight gain.”
Apart from sweet potatoes, other sources of complex carbohydrates include quinoa, whole grains, vegetables, and beans. Research suggests increased consumption of these foods may stave off serious health issues, including hypertension and heart disease.
Assistant professor Dr Tamar Polonsky, at the University of Chicago Medicine, previously explained: “They also decrease inflammation and help us decrease the risk of plaque build-up in our arteries…We know that people who have diets that are high in vegetable sources of protein and low in simple carbohydrates are less likely to develop obesity, less likely to develop hypertension and those people are also at a lower risk of developing cancer.”
You can buy sweet potatoes from various supermarkets, including Tesco at 42p, Sainsbury’s at £1.19 and Aldi at 69p.