Keep it Simple. Live Long. The Mediterranean Diet.

I like the Mediterranean Diet approach because it's a flexible diet with many healthy elements and avoids foods we don't need. Easy to follow, sustainable, and realistic. The diet prioritizes

• whole grains,
• fruits, vegetables,
• legumes,
• nuts, herbs, spices and
• olive oil
• fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, sardines and tuna (SMASH fish listed in this blog post good for brain health- mackerel and anchovies added)
• other lean animal proteins, like chicken or turkey, are eaten to a lesser extent
• foods high in saturated fats, like red meat and butter, are eaten rarely.
• eggs and dairy products like yogurt and cheese in moderation And
• moderate alcohol consumption, like a glass of wine at dinner, is allowed

It cuts the risk of cardiac disease by 25%, has antioxidant effects that help with brain health, and possibly cuts the rates of Type 2 Diabetes.

The possible benefits of natural wine are discussed here. No minimum daily requirement for alcohol, though! 

Chinese Medicine has longevity as a pillar of practice. It's long been part of the teachings with certain herbs and acupuncture points to engender a long life. I prefer acupuncture, exercise, sauna, meditation, and other natural techniques to optimize my healthspan. But for those interested in possible future drugs to optimize longevity, you can read about them here. Click on the image for my ebook summary of my chapter on Longevity.