Recently I read an article about the connection between Healthy Lifestyle and Longevity. Researchers conducted a study regarding the impact of Health Habits on Life Expectancy. They analyzed the data from NHS (Nurses’ Health Study) and HPFS (Health Professionals Follow-up Study). The analysis was on Diet, Physical Activity, Body Weight, Smoking and Alcohol Consumption. Why they chose these five key elements were due to the fact that prior studies had shown them to have a large impact on risk of premature death. Thought it is worth sharing this with all.
What is a Healthy Habit?
A Healthy Diet is where we eat healthy foods such as Vegetables, Fruits, Nuts, Whole Grains, Healthy Fats, Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Unhealthy foods are Red Meat, Processed Meat, Junk Foods, Sugary and Sweetened items, Soft Drinks, Beverages, Trans Fat and Sodium. A healthy Physical Activity level is defined as a minimum of 30 minutes of doing Exercises, Walking, Running etc. To maintain a healthy Body Weight is to maintain a BMI (Body Mass Index) between 18.5 and 24.9. Healthy limit of Smoking is “Non-Smoking”. It says that 12 ounces of regular Beer, 5 ounces of Wine or 1.5 ounces of Distilled Spirits can be defined as a Moderate Alcohol Intake. The measurement is on the basis of Alcohol intake of 5 to 15 grams for women and 5 to 30 grams for men per day. To add to these five key elements, adequate amount (at least 8 hours) of uninterrupted Sleep is also highly essential for a Healthy Living. The next important element is Stress, which imbalances our health situation and hence maintaining a stress-free life is also essential for long life.
The researchers found out that following just one out of these five healthy habits made a big difference in the Life Expectancy by Two Years in men and women. According to their analysis, those who followed all five of these enjoyed significantly longer lives that those who followed none. It is mentioned in the article that those who do not follow these healthy habits are far more likely to die prematurely from Cancer or Cardiovascular disease.
So, folks, why don’t we follow these essential, life-changing healthy habits and live longer? Our lives are extremely important for us and those who are dependent on us.
Read the article published by Harvard Health Publishing (Harvard Medical School) here
Disclaimer: The information provided here is only for public awareness
