A group of scientists are trying to prove that an 800-year lifespan is possible.  While that may seem a little unlikely, we absolutely can increase the length, and more importantly, the quality of our lives.

Former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, M.D., discovered after a thorough study of scientific literature that diet is a factor in eight of the top 10 causes of death in the United States. One revolutionary study of centenarians (those who are older than 100-years-old)  showed that these people all had a diet high in fruits and vegetables.

Everyone knows fruits and veggies are good for you, but in recent years scientists have begun to clearly understand why we need them. The key to our good health may actually be antioxidants. The natural source for antioxidants is in fruits and vegetables. As a general rule of thumb,  the darker the food, the better.

But why do we need antioxidants and what do they do? Antioxidants get rid of the free radicals in our bodies and repair the damage they cause.

Free radicals are a type of molecule in our bodies that cause oxidation; and they are created in our normal, everyday living. The very air we breathe causes oxidation in our bodies. When something oxidizes, it begins to deteriorate. A good example of this is when you slice an apple, it begins to turn brown very quickly. It’s also why our cars rust. You could say we are rusting from the inside out because of this oxidation.  Stress increases free radicals, as do environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides.

How important are antioxidants? Dr Richard Cutler, a researcher at the anti-aging department of the National Institute of Health says that, “The amount of antioxidants we maintain in our bodies is directly proportional to how long and how healthy we will live…”

The good news is that your secret weapon to fight disease and old age is as close as your grocery store’s fresh produce isle. Longevity experts say we should be eating ten servings of fruits and vegetables per day. The bad news, however, is nearly 90 percent of Americans are not even getting the minimum of five servings per day.

The solution may be a good supplement. By making some simple, smarter choices each day, you can have smoother looking skin, higher mental acuity, greatly reduced inflammation, lessen the plaque in your arteries and have more energy. The list goes on and on. Just Google any health issue you currently have along with the word “antioxidant” and see for yourself.

The USDA rates fruits and vegetables  with a system called the ORAC score. The higher the score, the higher the antioxidant value. In general, it’s good to remember that fruits and vegetables in their most natural state are going to be the best. Darker foods like blueberries, prunes and pomegranates will have higher values than grapes or corn for instance. Kale, spinach and strawberries rank fairly high. There is a lot of buzz about the Brazilian acai berry right now for its level of antioxidants as well.

Then there is  everyone’s favorite food, chocolate. Yes, the cocoa bean grows on a tree and is considered a fruit.

Again, the closer chocolate is to its purest form, the better. The Spanish conqueror  Hernando Cortes declared in the 1500’s that a bitter cocoa drink was, “The divine drink which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink permits man to walk for a whole day without food.”

So forget the fads and stick with the basics. In conjunction with a diet low in greasy foods, plenty of sleep, water and exercise, a variety of fresh fruits (including chocolate) and vegetables rich in antioxidants are a very important part of your overall longevity.

Scientists may or may not crack the code for living several hundred years, but whatever your age, with a few smart, healthy choices, each day you’ll look and feel much younger for years to come.

About the Author:

Mike Greenfield is an entrepreneur with a passion to help others live their best life personally, professionally and spiritually. Mike, his wife Julie, and their family live in Stoneybrook. Visit him on the web to learn more at www.iCraveHealthyChocolate.com.

Article by Mike Greenfield