In search of forever

Finding the secret to eternal youth has got a bad name from charlatans touting wacky herbs and pills. But there's good news on the horizon, as research is showing that with a few tweaks to lifestyle, and science-backed nutrition, decades could be added to our lives! 

So here are our science-backed tips to get that fountain of eternal youth flowing.

A recent study, looked at  50,000 people for 15 years and found that those with a sense of humour lived an average of 8 years longer than their less fun-loving counterparts.

The authors suggested that humor had the potential to help people avoid diseases and extend their life spans. Time to book some comedy.

Let's be friends

Healthy friendships are linked to positive changes in heart, brain, hormonal, and immune function which may decrease your risk of ill-health. A strong social circle can also help you react less negatively to stress (a problem shared is a problem halved, and all that). 

But you don't need to be the life of the party. Having just 3 social ties may decrease your risk of early death by more than 200% according to one study.

Go nuts

The humble nut is rich in protein, fiber, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds. Plus they're an amazing source of vitamins and minerals, such as copper, magnesium, potassium, folate, niacin, and vitamins B6 and E. 

Several studies  show that nuts have beneficial effects on heart health, reduce inflammation and blood pressure. One study even found that people who consumed at least 3 servings of nuts per week had a 39% lower risk of early departure from this world to the next!

Turns out those crazy herb people were not all wrong ... one of the best proven plants to help prevent against disease and increase longevity is the humble turmeric root. 

It contains the potent bioactive compound known as curcumin, which is high in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that turmeric can help maintain brain, heart, and lung function, as well as protect against diseases. Shameless plug - you can get your fill in our Mango Turmeric, now available at Waitrose!

Move ya body

It's hardly ground-breaking to say that staying physically active can keep you healthy and add years to your life. But recent studies have shown you don't need to move mountains to hit your health goals.

While research consistently shows that exercising more than 150 minutes per week is best, even small amounts can help. A recent study in the Lancet found that as little as 15 minutes of exercise per day may help you achieve benefits, which could include an additional 3 years of life.