Most of us don’t remember life without cell phones, but Bernando LaPallo could tell you how life was before most homes had landline phones. If Mr. LaPallo was still alive, he could tell us a lot about life before many of our modern-day conveniences were invented.
Mr. LaPallo was born in 1901 and passed away in 2015 at the age of 114. He gave credit for his longevity to the foods he ate. When a 114-year-old man gives tips for his longevity, it’s time to listen.
Here are the 5 foods he revealed as contributing to his long and healthy life span.
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants that defend against free radical damage in the body. This fragrant spice also contains anti-inflammatory properties to help your body fend off infections.
Inflammation within the body is also a precursor to many chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. A small amount daily will help lower bad LDL cholesterol and raise good HDL cholesterol.
Half a teaspoon a day of cinnamon has been proven to help keep blood sugar level to help prevent reduce the risk of diabetes. The spice also helps type II diabetics that are insulin resistant to regain their sensitivity to insulin and reduce the impact of metabolic syndrome.
2. Chocolate
This is an easy food for most of us to eat. In addition to being delicious, chocolate provides us with powerful antioxidants and nutrients. It’s the dark version of this sweet treat that contains the most health benefits.
Dark chocolate is rich in fiber, potassium, zinc, iron and copper. It helps protect the lining of the arteries and reduces blood pressure. Chocolate reduces bad LDL cholesterol and raises good HDL cholesterol, and this, in turn, reduces the risk of heart disease.
The flavonols in chocolate protect skin again sun damage, keeps skin hydrated and plumped to ward off wrinkles.
3. Honey
Another sweet treat that is loaded with antioxidants that protect the body against free radical damage is honey. Free radicals contribute to the aging process and may also contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Honey contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that help promote healing. It’s good for taking internally to soothe a sore throat, and can also be applied topically to soothe minor burns and skin irritations.
A tablespoon full of honey will also soothe an upset stomach and promote the growth of good bacteria in the digestive system.
Just make sure it’s raw organic honey and not the commonly processed honey which loses all its nutrient benefits because it’s processed.
4. Garlic
In addition to having a potent smell, garlic also contains potent medicinal properties. Garlic, either fresh or in supplement form, helps reduce the duration of colds and flu.
This pungent herb can also reduce high blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels. With blood pressure stabilized and high cholesterol lowered, the risk of heart disease is significantly reduced.
Garlic also contains specific antioxidants that help prevent age-related brain disorders, like dementia and Alzheimer’s. The herb also helps to remove the toxins, like heavy metals, from the body. When toxicity is reduced in the body, so also are headaches, blood pressure and a number of other health-robbing conditions.
5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet and is better for you than corn oil, vegetable oil, canola oil or any of the other commonly used oils, extra virgin olive oil helped one of the world’s oldest men live to be 114 years old.
Olive oil is rich in oleic acid which is a natural and potent inflammation reducer. Chronic inflammation in the body is thought to be the cause of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer’s.
The oil has shown significant promise in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. When used as part of a therapeutic plan, olive oil helps reduce joint inflammation that increases mobility and reduces joint pain.
The oil is also rich in antioxidants to help protect the body against free radical damage. It also significantly reduces the risk of stroke.
Olive oil does not contribute to weight gain and obesity, both of which are detrimental to a long life span. Plus, it’s healthy for the digestive system. The anti-bacterial properties help prevent stomach issues caused by bacteria.
Because olive oil has a low smoking point, cooking with olive oil runs the risk of creating smoke that contains compounds that are harmful to your health. So it’s best to use it on a low temperature to sauté or as a dressing.
