China’s “Longevity Element” OUTSMARTS Aging
If you’ve ever met someone who’s over 90 or 100—and still in good health—chances are you’ve asked them what their secret is.
There are plenty of common denominators in people who live long, healthy lives… most of which have to do with diet, movement, family, and purpose.
But there’s something else that could be giving residents of Bama Yao Autonomous County of China their famously long lifespan.
In fact, it’s become known as “the longevity element.”
The soil in this region of China is especially rich in the micronutrient selenium.
Selenium is an essential mineral that functions like your personal bodyguard.
It produces antioxidants that prevent cell damage… it protects your body from infection… it guards against free radical damage… and it boosts your immune function.
Protection at the cellular level means protection from sickness, disease, and even aging.
Selenium has come into the limelight because many areas of the world with the longest living populations tend to have soil that’s rich in this potent mineral.
Research has even revealed that higher selenium intake is associated with longer telomeres. These are protective caps on the end of your DNA that are associated with aging.
Longer telomeres = longer life.
Studies also show that getting adequate selenium can help prevent cardiovascular disease and early death.
However, this doesn’t mean you should start loading up on selenium supplements. In fact, too much selenium could have the opposite effect.
The good news is that you only need about 55 micrograms (mcg) daily of this key mineral. You can easily get that from foods like eggs (20 mcg), Brazil nuts (544 mcg per ounce), tuna (92 mcg per 3 ounces), or turkey (26 mcg per 3 oz).
It’s yet another example of how eating a balanced diet is the true secret to healthy aging and can give you the keys to a long, healthy life.
P.S. Slow aging to a CRAWL with this diet trick.
SOURCE:
Li, B., Liu, X., Yu, T., Lin, K., Ma, X., Li, C., Yang, Z., Tang, Q., Zheng, G., Qin, J., & Wang, Y. (2024). Environmental selenium and human longevity: An ecogeochemical perspective. Chemosphere, 347, 140691.
