A healthy diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables may be the key to a long life, new research has suggested.

A study by the Institute of Healthy Ageing at University College London has suggested that a vegetarian diet with the correct balance of proteins and a reduced consumption of methionine – an amino acid found in fish, meat and nuts – could slow the ageing process, resulting in a longer lifespan.

Scientists have long believed that a low calorie diet – as common in those who snack from the office fruit box instead of on crisps and chocolate – can lead to greater longevity.

A spokesperson from the Vegetarian Society added that those who eat a balanced diet with more fruit and vegetables are also less likely to suffer from conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

"A balanced vegetarian diet will supply all the essential nutrients you need to help keep you fit and healthy," she said.

 

This entry was posted on Friday, December 4th, 2009 at 3:53 pm and is filed under Fruit at work/ Employee benefits. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.