Quest for Longevity

By Diane Robert

Simply stated ‘longevity’ is to ‘live a long time’.  According to the Government of Canada (www.canada.ca – Date modified: 2025-03-21), “Canada remains one of the healthiest countries in the world. Life expectancy at birth for Canadians is 79.9 years for men and 84 years for women.”

Familial genetics play a strong role in longevity.  Other factors that influence life expectancy are lifestyle choices, daily wellness rituals, how you handle stress, a nutrient- dense diet plus regular exercise.

Here are some powerful benefits of regular exercise:

• Lowers risk of chronic disease such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It reduces chronic inflammation, which is an underlying contributing factor in chronic disease.
• Increases energy levels through improved oxygen circulation and the release of stimulating brain chemicals.
• Strengthens and conditions the heart muscle plus improves circulation.
• Lowers blood pressure.
• Helps maintain a healthy weight,
• Boosts the immune system.We are less likely to catch a cold or the flu. If we do become ill, symptoms are often less severe and recovery tends to be
• Enhances mental, emotional, and cognitive well-being.
• Builds confidence, which influences many aspects of our lives.

Foods to Include & Avoid in Your Diet

• Consume whole foods (organic when possible) such as fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and legumes.  
  Side-Note: I always soak nuts and legumes in filtered water overnight to eliminate phytic acid and tannins (both interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals).
• Avoid trans fats, refined grains, sugar and processed food  
  Side Note: Although deli meats are convenient, they contain nitrates used to cure the meat and give it its pink colour. ‘Natural’ deli meats use celery juice which contains plant based nitrates which may be similar.  
• Excessive salt intake negatively impacts blood pressure and a healthy heart.  Limit salt intake to one teaspoon per day.
  Side-Note: Iodized (Table salt) and pink Himalayan salt are both beneficial in moderation.  Pink Himalayan salt is less processed and contains trace minerals while iodized salt contains iodine, important for thyroid health.    

In the upcoming weeks, more articles will be presented to support longevity.