High Life Expectancy Linked to Diet

According to the most recent official figures, the three countries with the highest life expectancy are Japan, Singapore, and the principality of Monaco. Most experts agree that a major contributor to the high life expectancy experienced in these countries is their diet.

It has become fashionable in recent times to declare some foods to be “superfoods.” However, most experts reject this term since it suggests that eating some specific food will lead to good health and a longer life expectancy.

This “quick fix” mentality has been very destructive to our physical and our mental health. Eating a bowl of ice cream and then taking a pill to counter its effects, or eating a superfood as part of an otherwise unhealthy diet, is a naïve and ineffective path towards good health. The main point for us to remember is the well-known saying, “Slow and steady wins the race.” Eating in a healthy and conscientious way one week, and bingeing the next, cannot be expected to have a positive effect on health. Rather, we need to eat conscientiously on a daily basis.

That said, it is a fact that some foods are more nutritious than others, and we should certainly include these foods in our diet. The consensus is that the following foods that are highest in nutritional value:

• Vegetables, especially leafy green vegetables and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage)
• Salmon and other fatty fish
• Beans, particularly soybeans and soybean-derived products like tofu
• Citrus fruits
• Berries
• Nuts and seeds
• Healthy oils, such as olive oil
• Seaweed products such as nori

Many of these products contain an abundance of antioxidants and flavonoids, which are known to help the body regulate its inflammatory response, slow down cellular aging, help protect the body against illness and disease, and reduce the risk of cancer.

Besides scientific evidence showing that these foods have a positive effect on the body, they are consumed in higher proportions in those countries with the highest life expectancy.

In addition to introducing more of the nutrient-rich products mentioned above into our diets, it is important to avoid foods that are known to have destructive effects on our health. The most important rule is to avoid “simple carbohydrates” as much as possible. These include bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, and of course sugar and high fructose corn syrup.

At Laurel Bay Health and Rehabilitation Center, in the scenic beach town of Keansburg, NJ, our program includes attention to every aspect of care, including nutrition. Our pledge is to provide superior health care services in the most compassionate way. We put in place individualized care plans, robust post-acute rehabilitation, and recreational activities for every one of our residents, whether they are short-term or long-term.

Our short-term rehabilitation program is designed to get our patients back to their optimal level of functioning and independence as quickly as possible, post hospitalization. We provide a tailored program of physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as all types of specialized care under one roof.

We include our residents and families in the development and progress of their individualized care plan up until the day of their discharge, when we ensure their smooth transition back into the community.

Our long-term care program offers 24/7 skilled nursing care of the highest caliber for our residents. In addition to a varied selection of stimulating activities and recreational programs, our residents benefit from our specialty health services, exquisite dining and social services.

We offer specialized health services and programs for our residents suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer’s. This includes our sensory programs and activities provided in a secured environment.

Need a break to recharge? No problem. We provide an amazing Respite Care program with 24/7 medical services.

Read our reviews on senioradvisor.com, wellness.com, and caring.com to hear what our residents and their families have to say.

Or better yet, come see for yourself. Contact us to schedule a tour by clicking here or by calling (372) 787-8100.