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.