Looking for the secret to a longer life? Reports have given a small glimpse into what it really takes, revealing the diet of the oldest man alive, who reached 112 years and 59 days old just today.
João Marinho Neto was officially announced as the world’s ‘oldest man living’ last week, as Guinness World Records shared the tragic death of his predecessor John Tinniswood, aged 112. Hailing from Ceará, Brazil, João is now the sole living male born in 1912 and boasts a family tree comprising six children, 22 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.
João, who spent his formative years on a farm, has always embraced a basic diet, choosing fresh local produce over highly processed items. In a conversation with Brazil’s Fantastico, he reportedly said: “I had a happy life. (…) I was very healthy, I had everything. I had cattle to make cheese, I had everything.”
Edgar Rodrigues, coordinator of his nursing home, added: “I said: ‘João, do you know that you became the oldest man in the world?’. He said: ‘the oldest and most handsome man’.” Later, he also commented on João’s dietary choices, while adding that he is an example to others that ‘life is worth living’.
Edgar continued: “[What he likes most is] coffee in the morning, fruit, brown sugar and free-range chicken.” Albeit an unusual shopping list, past research highlights the potential health perks of many components.
This especially includes coffee, chicken and fruit which have all been associated with potential heart health benefits. For instance, last year, scientists claimed that substituting red and/or processed meat with poultry was ‘inversely associated’ with the risk of cardiovascular diseases, strokes, coronary heart disease, and ‘all-cause mortality’.
Meanwhile, a remarkable 2018 review of 30 studies also found that every cup of coffee drank per day could cut your personal risk of type two diabetes by 6%. And another study from the same year claimed that drinking three to five cups of coffee per day could lead to a remarkable 15% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease.
These encouraging findings come as cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives annually, according to the World Health Organisation. Heart disease – the main cause of heart attacks – is also currently more lethal for women.
This is particularly true for high blood pressure, which reportedly increases a woman’s heart attack risk 80% more than a man’s. However, it’s crucial to remember that defining a ‘healthy diet’ is complex, with research continually evolving.
For instance, while coffee is often lauded for its health benefits, it can also have potential drawbacks, including an increased risk of panic attacks and temporary blood pressure spikes. Therefore, experts frequently advise consuming any food and drink in moderation.