With age, people start to experience certain symptoms, most commonly back pain, joint stiffness, and reduced mobility. However, this isn’t a universal rule, because younger people also suffer from similar conditions, while there are elderly people who aren’t affected at all.

Whether it is due to genetics or lifestyle, I’ve met a number of elderly people who’s health haven’t been affected due old age. And honestly, I never kept wondering how to achieve the same.

Well, a woman named Margarita might have the answer to this question. She has recently shared that despite being 90, she feels young both in heart and physically. In fact, she claims she hasn’t been sick in 43 years and believes that’s a result of certain habits related to her diet.

Margarita says she doesn’t have diabetes nor suffers from high blood pressure, something really uncommon for someone who’s nearing 100 years. She also says she’s not taking any pills, makes her own food, wakes up without issues, takes short walks, still reads without her glasses on, and what’s most important of all, she remembers everything she’s supposed to remember.

This lovely elderly lady says the people around her claim she’s healthy simply because she’s lucky, but she doesn’t really agree with that. Why? Because with age, she learnt what to put and what not to put on her plate.

Margarita also says that she sees people her age taking a bunch of pills and have a hard time getting out of bed. She believes the reason for that isn’t age but a result of what they have been feeding their body over the decades. So what if she’s right? What if we can extend our life and its quality by simply minding our diet? The truth is that a number of experts have claimed that food plays crucial role in how healthy we are, so I guess Margarita is just the perfect example of that.

The good thing is that even if you are 60, 70, or even 80, you can still make a change in your diet and possibly reverse the damage that has been done over the years.

According to Margarita, these are the 5 foods that let her stay youthful even at the age of 90.

1. Aronia or black berry (chokeberry): small but mighty

Margarita recalled she had started consuming aronia some 30 years ago when a woman living nearby told her, “If you want to maintain young blood vessels, eat this berry regularly.”

Once she included these small but mighty berries in her diet, she started experience changes almost immediately. The heaviness in her head was gone, and her hands were never cold ever again, not even during the cold winter days. Also, this helped her stabile her blood pressure, so she was never subscribed any medications for this condition, unlike most people her age.

According to a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods, “Diets rich in red berries have been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), while also offering preventive effects against serious diseases including cancer.”

Aronia berries are rich in antioxidants, such as polyphenols, flavonoids (such as carotenes, lutein, anthocyanin, about 1,480 mg per 100 grams of fresh berries), and proanthocyanidins (664 mg per 100 grams), according to Medicine Net. They are also source of vitamins and essential nutrients, such as vitamin C, A, and E, beta-carotene, folate, and minerals (such as potassium, iron, and manganese). 100 grams of fresh aronia berries contain 35 percent of daily recommended levels of vitamin C.

Aronia berries help in reducing inflammation and combat oxidative stress. They can be added into unsweetened compotes, oatmeal, and other simple dishes.

One simple recipe Margarita shares includes a handful of dried aronia berries soaked in hot water. They should be left like that for a couple of hours after which the infusion can be consumed. Margarita advises on half a cup a day.

2. Willowherb Tea: Calming for the Nervous System

Willowherb tea was once a staple in many households, and being part of an older generation herself, Margarita started consuming it decades ago, and she hasn’t stopped ever since. The reason why is because it offers a plethora of health benefits. She says she consumes it in the afternoon or in the evening, but it has definitely became an important part of her daily rituals.

Since she started consuming willowherb tea, Margarita says it helps her calm her nerves, especially after a long day. Also, it helps her sleep better and not wake up during the night. According to Margarita, the tea facilitates the process of digestion, especially after a heavier meal, and helps fight inflammation. What’s more, it eliminates water retention, so she rarely feels bloated.

So, how does she prepare it? One teaspoon of the dried herb is mixed with 300 milliliters of hot water, which is then covered and left to steep for ten to fifteen minutes. It is best consumed when it is warm, particularly after meals or in the evening.

Unlike coffee or black tea, willowherb tea doesn’t overstimulate the body and doesn’t cause addiction.

According to Vita Library this tea helps with urinary tract discomfort, supports prostate health, and helps with inflamed skin. Willowherb boasts an impressive lineup of active compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, and mucilage.

3. Buckwheat: Stable Energy and Balanced Sugar

If there is one thing that has remained a constant in Margarita’s diet, then that’s buckwheat.

Buckwheat is not only inexpensive, but also simple and nutrient-rich. Margarita says that it was around the age of 40 something that she started feeling her body reacted differently to the food she had been consuming until then. All of a sudden, her blood sugar levels started going up and down, and she felt tired most of the time, especially after a meal. So, she just knew she needed to make change, and she started with the bread which she then replaced with buckwheat.

It wasn’t long after that she started feeling more energetic. Her blood sugar levels stabilized, and she felt full but without that usual heaviness she felt after consuming bread.

According to Nutrition Advance, while classed as a whole grain, buckwheat is botanically a type of seed. It is a rich source of dietary fiber, bioactive compounds, and key essential minerals like magnesium.

If you want to incorporate it into your diet, just like Margarita did years ago, cook one cup of buckwheat with two cups of water over low heat for about fifteen to twenty minutes, without frying, butter, or excess salt. Once it’s cooked, you can also add a tablespoon of flaxseed oil to enhance the taste.

4. Seaweed (kelp or laminaria): Thyroid support

At her forties, Margarita struggled with low energy levels and cold hands, and that’s when she was first introduced with seaweed. After she visited a doctor who ran blood tests, it was determined she lacked iodine because she wasn’t consuming enough of it, which led to issues with her thyroid.

Once she started consuming seaweed, Margarita realized her body no longer struggled to adapt to temperature changes.

Seaweed is a healthy source of natural iodine, as well as other healthy ingredients, including B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, all of which are necessary to maintain a healthy metabolism, cholesterol levels, and natural detoxification of the body, particularly in the liver.

It’s highly versatile and can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes, such as sushi rolls, soups and stews, salads, dietary supplements, and even smoothies.

It’s important to mention that you should choose quality seaweed and avoid it canned because it contains vinegar, sugar, and other additives. Instead, opt for dried seaweed that’s been rehydrated or plain frozen kelp since it’s a cleaner option.

5. Sauerkraut or fermented cabbage: living gut health

Fermented cabbage has been something Margarita remembers eating since her childhood days. However, during those days, it was just food. It was only during her later years that she came to realize the true value of the food. It is one of the best natural probiotics.

This traditional food is beneficial for the health of the digestive system. It has the capability to boost the immune system. It is also a natural source of vitamin C, and vitamin B6, which is beneficial for the nervous system and the balance of the body.

Having some fermented cabbage before or during meals can help with the digestive system, making it easier for the body to assimilate the nutrients present in the foods we eat. It’s a good remedy after a round of antibiotics, which can wreak havoc on the digestive system, or when experiencing a little gastrointestinal distress. One of the best remedies for the digestive system, fermented cabbage is simple, natural, and time-tested.

Conclusion

When it comes to longevity, there isn’t a magic pill. What you can do to boost your health, however, is cut out processed foods, especially those containing added sugar, artificial vinegar, or preservatives. Drink plenty of water to make sure you are hydrated, and make a conscious effort to move your body every day, because even a quick 20-30 minute walk can make a huge difference.

Eat natural foods instead of taking any supplement or vitamin, and make sure to get plenty of sleep and try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Listen to what your body is telling you, and remember to make healthy choices consistently over many years so you can live a strong and healthy life as you age.

*Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise routine, or supplement use, especially if you have existing health conditions or concerns.