Bernardo LaPallo of Arizona turned 113 in 2014. LaPallo was born in Brazil in 1901. He has followed his father’s lifestyle advice and credits that for his longevity.
In fact, his father was a doctor and an herbalist and gave him tips on what to eat. LaPallo went on to study both nutrition and the culinary arts at the Sorbonne University in Paris, France.
To follow Bernardo’s tips, he advises that you not only keep your mind and body active, but keep your diet balanced. Pile your plate high with fruits and vegetables, avoiding both processed foods and red meat. He goes on to add that the following five foods are the ones that he believes are the ones he credits most for his long life:
1. Garlic:
Garlic is a food that is widely touted for its medicinal properties. These are attributed to the sulphur compounds in garlic called allicin. Allicin is what gives garlic its distinct smell. Garlic can help lower pressure as well as high cholesterol. It can also help to prevent heart diseases and the buildup of fats on artery walls. It also helps to prevent certain types of cancers. LaPallo suggests eating it raw, but it can be in many dishes: add to sautés, sauces, grilled chickens, vegetables, soups and more.
2. Dark chocolate:
Dark chocolate is one of the newest superfoods, but LaPallo (and his father) has been eating it for years. Dark chocolate, that with at least a 70% cocoa content has been shown to help prevent cardiovascular disease. The antioxidants in the cocoa lower both blood pressure and cholesterol as they help increase blood pressure and reduce stress. You do not need to eat much; just a bit will do you. Eat a square or two a day, or drink a cup of dark hot chocolate cocoa.
3. Raw honey:
Honey is great, but raw honey is one of nature’s superfoods. Raw honey is in its natural state and contains enzymes and nutrients that are typically destroyed by the heat of pasteurization. This means that raw honey retains the maximum health benefits. Raw honey has many antioxidants which helps the body maintain its pH levels, which can help ward off a number of different diseases. It can be used both internally as a sweetener and externally as a facial mask.
4. Ceylon cinnamon:
Ceylon cinnamon has been known for its medicinal effects for centuries. It works to lower the blood sugar as well as our cholesterol levels and it can help to treat inflammation in the body. It can also help get rid of yeast infections and aid with digestion. Have some daily in your tea, or add to baked goods.
5. Extra virgin olive oil:
Finally, extra virgin olive oil is a Mediterranean treat that is perfect for the body. This is a heart healthy fat. Do not overheat, as it can break down the ‘good’ fat and actually make the olive oil toxic. Extra virgin olive oil is high in monounsaturated fat which can help to reduce your risk of heart disease. Add to salad, add to vegetables, add to marinades…add to anything and everything. Have this every day for the best results!
Resources:
spiritscienceandmetaphysics.com
