With longevity research exploding and biohackers like Brian Johnson making headlines, everyone’s searching for the fountain of youth. But while the wealthy experiment with $2 million anti-aging protocols, what can the rest of us do? Let’s cut through the noise and focus on three powerful foods that science shows can help us stay younger and fitter, longer.
After nearly two decades in the fitness industry and diving deep into longevity research, I’ve identified the top three foods you should eat daily: Beans, Greens, and Mushrooms. Here’s the science behind why:
The Longevity Trinity
- Beans: The Longevity Powerhouse. Beans aren’t just a fitness staple – they’re a longevity superhero. Here’s why:
- Protein-rich and naturally fat-free
- Superior blood glucose control. When you eat beans near high glycemic carbs like bread or sweets, the fiber from the beans will significantly blunt your spike in blood sugar. This effect persists through the following day! Controlling blood sugar (along with limiting animal protein intake) is one of the best strategies available for limiting the formation of Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs), which are considered a primary driver of the aging process.
- The fiber in beans is also readily fermented into short chain fatty acids in your colon such as butyrate, which is essential for regulating appetite and metabolism.
- Most strongly associated food group with increased lifespan in population studies [Asia Pac Journal of Clinical Nutrition]
- Leafy Greens: Recent research is showing just how powerful these nutrients are. Leafy greens:
- Are the highest nutrient density food on the planet (most nutrients per calorie), packing tons of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients into a super-low calorie package.
- Protein-rich for their calorie content
- Proven to have age-reversal effects. A recent study at the Institute for Functional Medicine showed that older men including a 9 oz serving of greens daily reversed their epigenetic age by a whopping 3.5 years in only two months! [Institute for Functional Medicine, 2023]
- Rich in unique longevity-promoting compounds
- Mushrooms: The Emerging Superfood. As I mentioned in a previous post, mushrooms are the new kid on the superfood block, and I think it’s safe to say they’re here to stay. Mushrooms are:
- In a separate kingdom from plants, so they offer an entirely unique set of beneficial compounds – myco-nutrients!
- The highest food source of ergothioneine (the longevity nutrient)
- Shown to improve athletic performance and recovery, and immune function
- Shown to combat cancer and lower cholesterol
The Common Thread
If we step back and look at these three powerhouse foods, a fascinating pattern emerges. They share key characteristics that make them uniquely valuable for longevity:
- Exceptional nutrient density (maximum nutrition, minimal calories)
- High protein-to-calorie ratio
- Rich in fiber and bioactive compounds
- Strong epidemiological evidence supporting their benefits for health and longevity
While other foods could make this list (like the remaining components of Dr. Fuhrman’s G-BOMBS), these three stand out as the holy trinity of longevity nutrition. The science is clear: if you’re serious about living longer and staying stronger, make beans, greens, and mushrooms daily staples in your diet.