A Harvard-educated doctor has rated nine different types of foods based on how well they help to slow down ageing.
Dr Saurabh Sethi, who has 1.4m Instagram followers, frequently hits the headlines for his health advice.
In one of his most recent clips, the gastroenterologist revealed ingredients to consume that could see you live longer.
READ MORE: Doctor shares how leftover rice ‘attacks’ brain
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As part of his criteria, he reviews how effectively they impact gut health, inflammation, metabolic health, blood sugar balance and long-term ageing [see full list at bottom].
Dr Sethi, from California, US, starts with a classic: nuts.
“Nuts, 8/10, Nuts like almonds and walnuts improve cardiometabolic longevity markers,” he said.
Cardiometabolic longevity markers are a measurement of predicting the risk of long-term heart-related disease and overall lifespan.
Next up, green tea.
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Dr Sethi said: “[Green tea is] 8/10, polyphenols are linked to healthy ageing.”
Polyphenols are responsible for green tea’s strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting benefits, potentially reducing risks for cancer, diabetes and heart disease by protecting cells and improving gut health.
Dark chocolate was the next food, which got a 7/10 as “flavanols benefit vascular ageing” but Dr Sethi added that “portion matters”.
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Extra virgin olive oil got a perfect 10/10 rating from the Harvard-educated doctor for its core longevity fats, which reduce inflammation and improve heart health, contributing to longer and healthier lives.
Meanwhile, fatty fish, such as salmon, received a 9/10 rating for high omega-3 content, which supports brain and heart ageing.
Leafy greens also received a 9/10 from Dr Sethi due to its fibre and polyphenol levels, both of which are linked to longer lifespans.
Berries joined fatty fish and leafy greens with another 9/10, due to these containing antioxidants such as anthocyanin, which can slow down cellular ageing.
Legumes got an 8/10 rating.
They are considered a staple food in many “blue zone” diets, providing essential protein, fibre and nutrients that promote longevity and support metabolic health.
Fermented foods, such as yogurts, fermented vegetables and fermented cottage cheese, received a 7/10 rating, as gut microbiome diversity is linked to healthy ageing and reduced inflammation.
Finally, it was time for the good doctor to rate ultra-processed foods –which got a big fat zero out of 10 – as these are “linked to faster biological ageing.”
FACT BOX: NINE FOODS THAT COULD SEE YOU LIVE LONGER
• Olive Oil – 10/10
• Nuts 9/10
• Fatty fish 9/10
• Leafy greens 9/10
• Green tea 8/10
• Berries 9/10
• Dark chocolate 7/10
• Legumes 7/10
• Fermented foods 7/10Bonus: Ultra-processed foods 0/10
READ MORE: Neurologist warns popular kitchen item could be linked to dementia
