שמן זית
Many studies around the world indicate that the monounsaturated fatty acids present in olive oil are mostly responsible for maintaining low rates of morbidity from cancer and heart disease among the residents of Crete.
Olives are rich in particularly strong antioxidants (polyphenols), which may prevent diseases related to old age.
דגים
Thirty years ago, researchers began to investigate the reason why the locals, the “Inuit”, in Alaska were “free”, almost completely, from heart diseases. The reason, the scientists believed, is related to the large amount of fish consumption.
Fish are very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which prevent the accumulation and formation of cholesterol in the blood vessels, and protect the heart rate.
שוקולד
The “Kuna” people, from the San Blas islands, off the coast of Panama, have nine times less heart disease, compared to the people of Panama living in the heart of the country.
The reason? The “Kuna” people drink a large amount of a beverage made from a generous amount of cocoa, which is extremely rich in flavanols. Those flavanols keep our blood vessels healthy, prevent cardiovascular diseases, reduce the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, kidney diseases and even dementia.
אגוזים
Nuts are a rich source of unsaturated fats, similar to olive oil and avocado.
They are a rich source of various vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, including antioxidants.
יין
Wine in a low dose protects against heart disease, diabetes and memory loss due to aging.
Red wine contains a strong antioxidant called resveratrol, which has been found to be an active substance for maintaining cell health and “anti-aging” activity.
אוכמניות
A study published in 1999, by researchers at Tufts University, from the Jean Mayer Human Research Center, reports on laboratory mice that were fed a blueberry extract for a period (equivalent to 10 years of a human). These mice showed better abilities compared to the mice fed a regular diet. The mice that participated in the experiment showed coordination and balance abilities when they reached an advanced age.