There are a handful of drinks that could prolong your life – and one of them might surprise you
Diet plays a huge part in health and well-being, and potentially how long you live. One expert claims three simple drinks are all you need in your kitchen to reach a triple-figure age.
Dan Buettner, an American longevity researcher, said: “It is not natural for humans to be drinking the milk of another animal any more than it would be to see a dog suckling a pig. It’s just weird.” He advocates for a diet based on Blue Zones – which are areas of the world where people typically live long lives and surpass the age of 100.
He said that people in these areas – such as villages within Japan, Greece, Italy and Costa Rica – often only drink three things. He added: “By and large, [people in Blue Zones] are not drinking cows milk at all.
“You see a little it of sheep’s milk cheese, pecorino and goat’s milk cheese in the form of feta. For the most, when it comes to what they drink, people in Blue Zones drink water, teas and wine.”
Water is essential for keeping our bodies functioning properly—and it has clear benefits beyond simple hydration. As well as regulating body temperature and aiding digestion, water maintains normal blood pressure and balances the electrolytes in your body.
Failing to stay hydrated with enough water can also lead to skin damage that presents as rough, itchy and wrinkled in apperance. According to the NHS, healthy adults should aim to consume between six to eight glasses of fluid a day (roughly two litres) – or enough so urine is a clear pale yellow colour.
Teas also boast a variety of natural health benefits – and there are dozens of varieties beyond traditional breakfast tea. Some teas have been linked to lower cholesterol levels, better heart health, immunity boosting and more. Beyond your physical health, some teas have become very popular for their mental health-boosting properties.
Wine may come as a shock to some as a ‘healthy’ drink. But, before you go popping open a bottle, be aware that the same rules about moderation apply in these Blue Zones too.
The alcoholic tipple owes most of its powerful health buffs to the level of antioxidants and polyphenols from its plant-based ingredients. These properties help ensure good heart health and the correct balance of ‘good and bad’ cholesterol levels in the body.
The NHS recommends that people drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread out over three or more days. This is considered low-risk drinking, but there is no safe level of drinking.
