Drink Your Way To A Century : 5 Expert-Approved Beverages For A Long Life!

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Do you know every sip you take can be a step toward a longer, healthier life? It's amazing how the right beverages can not only quench your thirst but also boost your lifespan. From antioxidant-packed teas to revitalising smoothies, these drinks can play a key role in your journey to wellness and longevity. Curious about how to drink your way to a century?

Read further to know more about the five expert-approved beverages that can help you live to a 100!

What Connects Drinks And Longevity

For most, living to 100 might feel like a long shot, yet it's a reality for over 101,000 centenarians in 2024, thanks to a lifetime of mindful choices. So, what is one of the biggest steps toward healthy ageing? Choosing drinks rich in antioxidants. These powerful ingredients help lower chronic disease risks, boost brain and eye health, and even support mental well-being.

The 5 Beverages For Longevity

Smoothies Or Juice Made Out Of Berries

Dr. Michaela Robbins, a nurse practitioner and expert in hormone health and longevity, suggests starting your day with a berry smoothie packed with blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries to benefit from their anti-inflammatory properties.

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She recommends blending it with almond milk, which supports bone health, and adding nut butter for a protein boost-a perfect breakfast to promote longevity. Meanwhile, Dr. William Li, president and medical director of the Angiogenesis Foundation and author of Eat To Beat Disease, highlights the immune-boosting effects of cranberry juice.

He explains that it can increase T gamma delta cells, which play a key role in immune response, and release virus-fighting cytokines. To maximise these health benefits, he advises choosing 100% cranberry juice without added sugars and limiting intake to 8 ounces per day.

A Glass Of Red Wine

While the healthiest choice is to go alcohol-free, if you do enjoy a drink now and then, red wine is the best pick. Thanks to natural bioactives, especially resveratrol from the grape skins, red wine offers health perks like slowing cell ageing and boosting blood vessel health, according to Dr. William Li. A study from Harvard, even links moderate red wine consumption to a longer life.

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But moderation is key! Follow the American Heart Association's guidelines that advises no more than one glass of 4-ounce a day for women and two for men. Drink responsibly for the best health benefits.

A Glass of Hydrogen-rich or Plain Water

Staying hydrated is crucial since our bodies are about 60% water! According to a Harvard Medical School report, drinking enough water aids digestion, delivers nutrients and oxygen to cells, flushes bacteria from the bladder, and protects organs while keeping electrolytes balanced.

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Cardiologist Dr. Leonard Pianko points out that proper hydration can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels, potentially increasing longevity.

While plain water is great, consider trying hydrogen-rich water for added benefits. It contains extra molecular hydrogen that enhances its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to lower cholesterol and improve kidney function.

Green And Black Tea

The benefits of drinking tea seem endless, especially when it comes to green and black varieties that are rich in powerful antioxidants. Research from Japan even found that green tea drinkers tend to live longer, and a 2020 study showed it may lower the risk of death for those with type 2 diabetes. Dr. William highlights that green tea is rich in bioactive compounds called catechins, which can starve cancer cells by cutting off their blood supply, lower blood pressure, boost metabolism, and help regenerate cells and organs.

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A study published on August 29, 2022, in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that drinking black tea is associated with a longer life. Following nearly half a million middle-aged UK adults for over 11 years, researchers discovered that those who drank two or more cups of black tea daily had a 9% to 13% lower risk of premature death, including from cardiovascular disease and stroke. Notably, the benefits remained regardless of milk or sugar added, tea temperature, or coffee consumption

A Cup Of Black Coffee

Black coffee often gets a bad rap, but it's more than just a morning boost! According to Dr. Robbins, long-term coffee consumption can cut your risk of premature death by up to 30%, whether you prefer caffeinated or decaf. Moreover, coffee stimulates mood-boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are linked to longer lifespans.

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A 2018 study of nearly half a million British adults found that coffee drinkers had a lower risk of dying from various diseases over ten years. Dr. Pianko adds that coffee's antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and lower the risks of liver cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, heart disease, colon cancer, and stroke.

Just be mindful of what you add to your cup; excess cream and sugar can negate these benefits. Instead, try it with a splash of unsweetened almond milk or 2% milk, and sprinkle in some calorie-free spices like nutmeg and cinnamon to help stabilise blood sugar while enjoying your brew!

So, next time you're out grocery shopping, keep an eye out for drinks loaded with these benefits. After all, a fit body and long life start with simple, healthy choices.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.