Centenarians -- or people who live to the age of 100 or more -- have long been the subject of scientific study and public curiosity. Although there is no single diet that guarantees a long life or fully explains the success of the world's oldest citizens, the diets of centenarians have some commonalities, and examining their eating habits may offer clues about human health and aging.
Features
Although centenarian diets often vary based on the traditional cuisine of the region and what foods are locally available, some similarities also exist. According to a study published by Chuanxin Chen in the Chinese Medical Journal in 2001, centenarians tend to eat a diet high in fiber and minerals but low in fat, protein and total energy, averaging only 1,419 calories per day. Vegetables and starchy tubers such as sweet potatoes tend to be a menu staple, and high concentrations of selenium, manganese and copper tend to be present in centenarian hair, suggesting a significant intake of these minerals through diet.
Effects
Eating a centenarian-style diet based on vegetables and other fresh, unprocessed foods tends to deliver high levels of vitamins, minerals and fiber. This type of diet may promote overall good health, regardless of impact on lifespan. MedlinePus notes that fiber yields long-lasting satiation, curbing appetite and potentially resulting in weight loss or easier weight maintenance.
Health Benefits
Eating a high-nutrient, low-calorie diet like many centenarians consume may offer protection against age-related diseases. The Okinawa Centenarian Study notes that calorie restriction may extend lifespan in both animals and humans, and centenarian diets such as the ones consumed in Okinawa, Japan, can potentially promote low cholesterol, plaque-free arteries, low homocysteine levels and reduced free radical damage.
Considerations
Due to difficulty in verifying an individual's age and identity in some parts of the world, many purported centenarians may be younger than they claim, and studying their diets for health clues may be misleading. As the Boston School of Medicine explains, some inhabitants of the Russian Caucases -- an area once famed for its high concentration of centenarians -- adopt the identities of their parents and other older relatives, falsely claiming centenarian status before reaching the age of 100. Citizens of Vilacamba, Ecuador, have done the same thing in attempt to gain recognition as a longevity hot spot and draw tourists to the region.
Other Factors
Diet is only one of many factors influencing longevity. According to the Boston School of Medicine, non-dietary traits such as gender, body weight, smoking habits, ability to handle stress, attitude towards life, genetics and blood relation to other centenarians can all contribute to how long a person lives. While diet may provide insights into the role of nutrition in aging, eating habits are only a small part of what helps a person reach 100 years of age.
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