When it comes to enhancing longevity and increasing quality of life, there are several things an individual can take in order to achieve this goal.  That being said, one day we will all die and the ones who live the longest often times are not concerned about longevity, but rather the present.

Ancient Chinese Qigong masters believed that longevity was a result of being present in the moment and not thinking about the past or future.  Various herbs and foods were also consumed by these legendary Qigong masters in order to increase harmony and balance within the body.  Legends have some of these masters living past 130 years old!

The most famous is a man by the name of Li Ching-Yuen who was said to have lived to the ripe old age of 256 years old!

Longevity Supplements vs. Longevity Enhancing Whole Foods

These Qigong masters had no synthetic longevity supplements or vitamins at their disposal.  Instead, they used the foods and herbs which the earth provided.  These foods and herbs are in balance with the earth’s natural cycles and are not created in some man-made lab.

The best examples of this are modern day resveratrol supplements.  Most of these supplements are in isolated form and are not in natural balance as compared to wild grapes which are extremely high in resveratrol and other nutrients.

There is no such thing as isolated resveratrol in nature.  Resveratrol always comes in a “package” with other balancing elements that help the body properly absorb and utilize the particular food.

For this reason, we only recommend that you use whole foods and herbs in your longevity enhancing protocol.

The Best Whole Food and Herb Longevity Supplements

Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil is thought to be first discovered by ancient Vikings who used the oil extensively in order to ward of illness and increase longevity.  In fact, no other food on the planet is as rich in bioavailable vitamins and minerals as cod liver oil.  There’s a reason un-contacted tribes around the world view the liver as being sacred and almost always consumed first before eating any other part of the animal.

Cod liver oil is a rich source of omega 3s DHA and EPA, contains an abundance of vitamin D, and contains the hard to get vitamin K2.

Research has shown that both EPA and DHA combat inflammation in the body, provide nourishment to the central nervous system (CNS) and protect against degenerative disease(s) such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia (1)(2).

Furthermore, a study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that higher vitamin D intake is associated with reduced incidence and death rates of colon, breast, prostate and ovarian cancers (3).

Those living farther away from the equator are at risk of becoming vitamin D deficient and could benefit tremendously by supplementing with cod liver oil.

Vitamin K2 has been shown in recent research to help assist calcium into the bones and plays a vital role in the maintenance of our bones (4).  Individuals with low levels of K2 in the body are at risk for developing calcification and arthritic symptoms.

Dropi Pure Icelandic Cod Liver Oil – Extra Virgin 220 ML

Cacao

Cacao was first used by ancient Aztecs and was then later used as form of currency in early civilizations.  Its nutritional profile is quite amazing when compared to other foods.

In fact, cacao is the highest food source of natural magnesium in the world.  Experts have shown that magnesium is needed for several hundred enzymatic processes in the body and plays a vital role in a person’s well being (5).

Cacao is also an antioxidant powerhouse.  In fact, the phenolic antioxidants which are found abundant in cacao have been shown to protect against several degenerative diseases (6).

Interestingly, the oldest “verified” centenarian, Jeanne Calment (122), consumed over 2 pounds of chocolate a day!

Divine Organics Raw Cacao Powder – Certified Organic

He Shou Wu

Quite possibly one of the great longevity herbs in existence, he shou wu has been used exhaustively in Traditional Chinese Medicine to promote healing and longevity.  He shou wu, literally translates to “Mr. He’s Black Hair.” It gets its name from an older man, Mr. He, who accidentally stumbled upon the herb.  After consuming the herb for several months, Mr. He’s grey hair returned to black and his desire for women returned full force.

A study published in Pharmacognosy Research found that he shou wu improves sleep, protects against neurodegenerative disease and contains anti-inflammatory properties (7).

Traditionally, he shou wu is said to nourish the kidneys and liver and nourish the blood.  It’s often prescribed for those with weak blood.  It’s been used for centuries in Chinese Medicine to build jing and enhance longevity.  It’s also an excellent source of the longevity enhancing substance resveratrol.

Just make sure you get the “prepared” version and not the raw.

He Shou Wu 80g by Sun Potion – Fo-Ti Tonic, Certified Organic, 10:1 Extract Root Powder

Ghee

Ayurveda has been utilizing ghee for centuries and this food is used extensively in Indian cooking.  Unlike butter which contains both lactose and casein, ghee contains neither of these two common allergens.  It’s the pure essence of butter and is extremely nourishing to the body.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found that ghee stimulates the secretion of stomach acid and acts as a natural weight loss supplement (8)

Maintaining healthy stomach acid levels as we age is crucial.  Without adequate levels of stomach acid, we lose the ability to extract nutrients from the food in which we eat.  If we can’t extract the nutrients from the food, our health will inevitable suffer.

Furthermore, ghee contains a compound called butyric acid which has been shown to protect against cancer (9).

ANCIENT ORGANICS 100% Organic Ghee from Grass-fed Cows, 32oz

Raw Honey

It’s a proven fact that those who keep bees tend to live long lives.  Research is beginning to discover that honey contains several properties which make it so beneficial for the human body.

A recent study found that raw Manuka honey, a special honey produced by New Zealand bees, contains several antimicrobial properties which can help rid the body of several harmful bacteria and break through the bio-films that many of these bacteria use for protection (10).

Raw honey is also great source of vitamins and minerals which can help promote overall better health in the body.

Wedderspoon Raw Premium Manuka Honey KFactor 16+, 17.6 Ounce