Live Long And Prosper
Yes, in an alternate universe, I’ve been known to utter phrases like, “Fascinating,” and “He’s dead, Jim.”
But this can’t be a post about Star Trek. That would be illogical on a weight loss blog.
No, this is a post about…
… quadrotriticale… um, I mean…
Foods That May Help You To Live Longer
Three of the best are believed to be:
1. Yogurt
Not all yogurts are alike. Eat the kind with “active cultures,” especially acidophilus.
Yogurt supposedly boosts your immune system and kills certain bacteria. When eaten regularly, yogurt may make you more resistant to the flu and to dysentery, an intestinal illness.
Yogurt may even reduce the chance of colon cancer.
If you’ve taken too much of an antibiotic, yogurt can restore the natural balance of good and bad bacteria in your intestines. That’s why it can have a laxative effect, yet still help to relieve diarrhea.
Yogurt may also help to prevent ulcers and reduce cholesterol.
It’s also a good source of protein and calcium.
2. Olive Oil
People who live in Crete, a small island near Greece, have one of the longest life expectancies in the world as well as some of the lowest rates of cancer and heart disease.
But surprisingly, they eat high-fat diets.
Some researchers believe the Cretans owe their good health to all the olive oil they consume.
Olive oil is believed to thin the blood (which reduces the chance of clots and blockages), raise HDL cholesterol (the good one) and reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad one). It also may lower blood pressure.
The most healthful kind is extra virgin olive oil.
Don’t overdo it, though. Olive oil may have a slight laxative effect.
3. Cabbage
Cabbage may reduce the risk of cancer, especially colon cancer, as well as boost immune functions.
If you don’t like cooked cabbage, eat it shredded in a salad or as coleslaw. Supposedly, it’s good to eat some cabbage raw because cooking can destroy some of the health benefits.
Drinking cabbage juice is also an old home remedy for ulcers. But be careful. Cabbage juice may react badly with thyroid or antiseizure medications.
So never attempt to cure your own ulcer or any other disease or condition.
All of this information is provided only for educational purposes. It’s not medical advice. Always see your physician for the diagnosis and treatment of any disease or medical condition.
Technorati Tags: nutrition, yogurt, cabbage, olive oil, ulcer, cholesterol, heart disease, immune system, colon cancer, long life
February 26th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
I thought this was a post about foods that make you live longer. Quadrotritticalie killed the tribbles.
February 26th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
That doesn’t count. The Klingons poisoned it. Poor tribbles.
February 26th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Not only did quadrotritticale kill the tribbles, it made them fat.
February 26th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Again with the tribbles. I’m sorry I brought it up.
February 26th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
You don’t have a tivo. Get into the 21st century, man.
February 26th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
I don’t have a tivo either.
February 26th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
TiVos, tribbles. I think you people are missing the point. Go eat some yogurt, will ya? (Just kidding.)
Rob, I never watch shows I tape (or TiVo, if I had one). I don’t watch that much TV. Although I used to watch a lot more in my Star Trek days.
Mary, thanks. I was beginning to think I was the only one.
February 26th, 2007 at 7:49 pm
First of all, I thank you for the Snackie Teevee plug! We do so much to remain active and watch our health that somedays it really is about what Jack Bauer will do next ;).
Secondly, I am always amused when you link me because you caveat the “language”…it’s funny.
Uh third of all, for those that do not own Tivos, I actually watched a lot less tv before we had one as well.
Lastly, I eat a yogurt a day, go me!
March 29th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
This post has been edited for length. So for those of you who didn’t see the original, the comments from Rob, Mary, and Hilly are referring to my asking if I’m the only person who doesn’t own a TiVo.
I also gave a plug for Hilly’s new blog about primetime TV, but warned that those who are offended by strong language (yes, they swear) shouldn’t click through.
You can follow the link in Hilly’s comment if you’re interested in seeing her new site.
May 10th, 2007 at 12:06 am
[…] As I mentioned in my earlier blog post, Live Long And Prosper, researchers believe the Cretans’ hearts are protected by all the olive oil they consume. […]