CAN WE LIVE A LOT LONGER?

CAN WE LIVE A LOT LONGER?

            The baby appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, (February 3), with the caption: “This baby could live to be 142 years old.”  Since they picked the world’s cutest little guy, most of us would vote to let him live indefinitely.    

     The article is pages and pages long, but what came through like a mantra from on high was the value of exercise.  Second, perhaps, was attitude. Time says, “’You’re only as old as you feel’” may merely be part of the equation. Perhaps, within reason, you’re only as old as you bloody well choose to be.”  The article adds, “Research is mounting that your outlook, your personality and, frankly, how upbeat you are have a profound impact not just on how you feel but also on how your cells age.”

            I started this blog intent on a different aspect of health.  Food.  It was the baby who got me off track.

As some of you know, I’m working on a book with surgeon John West. Titled, “WHAT I'D TELL MY DAUGHTER: A Breast Care Surgeon’s Advice to the Women in His Life,” Dr. West chose an early chapter to discuss the importance of lifestyle in preventing breast cancer. He too, stresses exercise.  And rejects sugar.  

But then he quotes an astonishing 30-year study of 200,000 people . . . an attempt to link certain foods to longevity. Now Dr. West asks his patients, “What food do you think is most important to help you live longer?”  

So here I’m asking all of you. What food to you think it is?

Like Dr. West’s patients, I would have said broccoli.  Also like his patients, I would have been wrong.

The answer is nuts.

Apparently, the more nuts we eat the better—and any kind will do. Furthermore, the nut eaters tended to be slimmer than everyone else.   Meaning nuts are not as fattening as we think.

The minute I typed that chapter, I began starting my days with a handful of nuts and seeds. (A neat little trail mix package from Vons).  I also give them to Rob.  Is it my imagination that various aches and pains have subsided?

The nuts are easy.  Harder for me is giving up sugar.  But I’m trying. I’m trying.

I’ll let you know in a few months how this all works out. 

"The Tail on my Mother's Kite" -- available autographed at Maralys.com

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