An expert has highlighted one ‘longevity superfood’ that’s not just ‘delicious’ but also nutrient-rich. Dan Buettner, aged 64, has spent his career studying the lifestyles of the planet’s eldest inhabitants in order to guide others towards a centenarian life.
In a new TikTok video, he put a spotlight on the elusive ‘Blue Zone’ of Okinawa, Japan, where locals are said to have a tenfold greater likelihood of living past 100 compared to those in the United States. Regular exercise, calorie restriction and even gardening are among the habits they swear by, but one local vegetable has recently caught Dan’s attention.
“I’m going to show you the one longevity superfood that everybody can afford right here,” he told his 152,000 followers. “Sweet potato, ideally it would be a purple sweet potato from Okinawa, but regular sweet potatoes are just fine.
“They are full of complex carbohydrates, they have protein, they are cheap, they taste delicious, they are full of micronutrients.” In the caption, he then stressed: “Want to live longer? Eat more sweet potatoes.
“…Forget the latest diet trend – longevity is built on simple, whole foods like this.” As Dan suggests, sweet potatoes are indeed packed with ‘complex carbohydrates’ – essential components for lasting health.
Unlike ‘simple carbohydrates’ found in dairy, processed products and other popular food items, complex carbohydrates break down more slowly, delivering a consistent supply of energy over the duration of the day. As a result, they are deemed crucial for cognitive function, digestion and even weight control.
Advice from the London-based Cleveland Clinic explains: “It takes your body longer to break down complex carbs, so they’re less likely to cause spikes in blood sugar. They also contain vitamins, minerals and fibre that your body needs.
“Simple carbs, on the other hand, digest quickly. So, they tend to spike your blood sugar. Too many simple carbs can contribute to weight gain.”
Beyond sweet potatoes, complex carbohydrates can be found in quinoa, whole grains, vegetables and beans too. There’s evidence suggesting that upping your intake of these foods could help ward off serious health issues such as hypertension and heart disease.
Assistant professor Dr Tamar Polonsky, at the University of Chicago Medicine, previously explained: “They also decrease inflammation and help us decrease the risk of plaque build-up in our arteries…We know that people who have diets that are high in vegetable sources of protein and low in simple carbohydrates are less likely to develop obesity, less likely to develop hypertension and those people are also at a lower risk of developing cancer.”
Individuals can buy sweet potatoes from various supermarkets, including Tesco at 42p, Sainsbury’s at £1.19 and Aldi at 69p.