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Top 10 Scientifically Studied Foods & Habits for Men to Live to 100

The AHA! Team — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 05:10:26 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Let’s explore 10 scientifically backed dietary habits and food choices that can help men live not only longer—but better. In today’s fast-paced world, many men are chasing success while unknowingly shortening their lifespan through daily choices. The good news? Science is revealing specific foods and habits that consistently promote longevity—especially for men. At DrColbert.com, we believe a long life should be filled with strength, clarity, purpose, and faith—not just extra years on a calendar. Let’s explore 10 scientifically backed dietary habits and food choices that can help men live not only longer—but better. 1. Olive Oil (Extra Virgin) A source of heart and brain protection. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the most studied and proven longevity foods in the world—especially for men. A 2022 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that men who consumed just half a tablespoon of olive oil daily had a significantly lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease (such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s), and even cancer. Why is EVOO so effective? The answer lies in its high concentration of monounsaturated fats and polyphenols—natural plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds help reduce oxidative stress, which plays a key role in aging, chronic disease, and hormone decline in men. For cardiovascular health, EVOO improves blood lipid profiles, supports flexible blood vessels, and helps prevent arterial plaque buildup. This is especially critical for men, who are statistically at higher risk of heart attacks and strokes—often earlier in life than women. But the benefits go beyond the heart. The brain thrives on healthy fats, and the polyphenols in EVOO protect neurons, reduce brain inflammation, and support memory, mood, and cognitive performance. Some studies have even suggested EVOO may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease—conditions that disproportionately affect men in later decades. In men over 40, regular consumption of EVOO has also been linked to healthier testosterone levels and improved insulin sensitivity—both essential for energy, libido, metabolism, and weight control. How to use it: Drizzle on salads, cooked vegetables, or mix with herbs as a dipping oil. Always use cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil to preserve the polyphenols and beneficial fats. Avoid using it for high-heat cooking—opt instead to finish your dishes with it or use it in dressings, dips, and marinades. Adding just 1–2 tablespoons a day can yield long-term benefits for brain clarity, heart function, and hormone balance—making EVOO a foundational food in any man’s longevity plan. 2. Fatty Fish (Wild-Caught Salmon, Sardines, Mackerel) Omega-3 rich foods that reduce inflammation and protect the heart. The NIH Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study found that men with higher blood levels of omega-3s had lower risk of death from all causes, particularly heart disease. Target: 2–3 servings per week of wild-caught fish like salmon or sardines. Omega-3 fatty acids, prominently found in wild-caught fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel, play a pivotal role in maintaining men’s overall health, particularly cardiovascular and cognitive function. Omega-3s—specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)—have been scientifically proven to reduce inflammation throughout the body, which is crucial as chronic inflammation underpins many common chronic diseases, including heart disease, arthritis, and even certain cancers. Research, such as the NIH Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, has consistently shown that men with higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids experience significantly reduced mortality rates from heart disease. These nutrients actively support heart health by improving cholesterol profiles, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the formation of arterial plaques, thereby protecting arteries from becoming stiff and narrowed. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids are vital for brain health and cognitive longevity. They support neuronal function, enhance memory, improve mood stability, and have been linked to a lower risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Moreover, fatty fish provides high-quality protein and vitamin D, nutrients essential for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and hormonal balance—key factors in men’s health, particularly as they age. For optimal benefits, aim for 2–3 servings of wild-caught fish weekly, prioritizing sources known for low mercury levels, to maximize omega-3 intake without unwanted contaminants. 3. Cruciferous Vegetables (Broccoli, Kale, Brussels Sprouts) Cancer-fighting and hormone-balancing foods. A 2015 study linked regular consumption of cruciferous vegetables to a lower risk of prostate cancer. These vegetables support estrogen balance and detoxification. Tip: Lightly steam or sauté to preserve nutrients. Add lemon or olive oil to boost absorption. 4. Berries (Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries) Brain and cardiovascular protection through flavonoids. A 2020 Harvard study from the Framingham Heart Study found that men who consumed higher levels of flavonoids from berries had a reduced risk of cognitive decline and cardiovascular disease. Serving idea: Add to smoothies, Greek yogurt, or eat as a midday snack. 5. Nuts (Especially Walnuts, Almonds & Brazil Nuts) Heart healthy and inflammation-lowering. The Adventist Health Study showed that men who ate nuts five or more times a week lived 2–3 years longer than those who didn’t. Portion guide: 1 small handful per day (unsalted, raw or dry roasted). 6. Green Tea Lowers cardiovascular risk and supports metabolism. The Ohsaki Cohort Study involving over 40,000 men found that those who drank green tea daily had significantly lower risk of death from heart disease and stroke. Tip: Drink 2–3 cups daily. Avoid extracts in high doses. 7. Fermented Foods (Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Greek Yogurt, Kefir) Support gut health and immune resilience. A 2021 study in Cell found that a diet high in fermented foods increased microbiome diversity and lowered inflammation markers like IL-6 and CRP. Daily serving: 1–2 small servings of natural, unpasteurized fermented foods. 8. Intermittent Fasting (IF) Improves insulin sensitivity and cellular repair. A landmark study in The New England Journal of Medicine supports time-restricted eating (e.g., 16:8) for weight loss, blood sugar control, reduced inflammation, and longevity. How it works: Fast for 16 hours (e.g., 8 pm to noon) and eat within an 8-hour window. 9. Mediterranean Diet (Modified with Low-Carb Principles) The most studied longevity diet in the world. A 2018 Lancet review confirmed that men following this pattern had lower risk of premature death. Dr. Colbert recommends a modified Mediterranean-Keto Zone approach—low in carbs but high in healthy fats and greens—to maximize results. 10. Faith-Fueled Eating & Gratitude Promotes emotional well-being and digestion. Studies show that gratitude before meals lowers cortisol and improves digestion. Eating slowly, being present, and giving thanks aligns with 1 Timothy 4:4–5: “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving…” To read the original article click here.

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How to Find Yourself Again After Trauma

The AHA! Team — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 08:24:02 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – In this podcast (episode #471) and blog, I talk to holistic psychologist and best-selling author Nicole LePera about finding your authentic self after trauma, identifying and unlearning harmful habits, and so much more! In her first book, How to Do the Work, Dr. Nicole offered readers a revolutionary, holistic framework for self-healing. Now, in How to Meet Your Self, she shares an interactive workbook designed to help every reader uncover their Authentic Self. By objectively and compassionately observing the physical, mental, and emotional patterns that fill our days and create our current selves, we can more clearly see what we do not wish to carry into the future. Why is this important? As Nicole points out, we all fall into conditioned habits and patterns—products of our past—that lead to cycles of pain, “stuckness,” and self-destruction. But we also have the innate ability to awaken to and change the behaviors and habits that no longer serve us, allowing us to step into the highest versions of ourselves, which is why Nicole wrote How to Meet Your Self: to help the reader radically transform their inner and outer world. We all struggle and we all have unique healing journeys. This is a universal aspect of the human experience. No matter who we are or where we come from, we cannot escape the fact that our past experiences color our present realities. For many of us, these patterns go unnoticed; we live our lives unaware of how these habits shape our thinking and actions. How to Meet Your Self, Nicole helps us become more aware and conscious of how the past is affecting our present and gives us practical tips and tools to change and heal the mind, brain and body. Awareness is the first step. When we see these aspects of our lives as habits and not intrinsic parts of ourselves, we can work on changing these patterns in our lives and reconnecting with our authentic self—that deep inner knowing of ourselves. We can’t heal what we are not aware of. But this change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and effort to do the work. As mentioned above, awareness is just the first step, which then allows us to start our healing journey and discover our true, authentic selves. This change is often hard and difficult, and other things will come to the surface, which is why it takes consistent daily effort to shift our thinking and habits, especially if we have been living a certain way for decades. Learning habits and patterns often begins in childhood. Indeed, childhood is a very vulnerable period in our lives; we are growing, developing and learning how to see ourselves and the world around us. Unfortunately, the adults in the room are often dealing with their own trauma and issues, which can affect how they relate to us as children. This, in turn, can affect how we function as adults through the habits and patterns we learn—soon, a negative, generational cycle can be set up. Thankfully, it is never too late to heal. The brain is neuroplastic, which means that it can change. This is why it is so important that we learn how to connect with and trust ourselves—to reach that authentic self. We need to put on our own oxygen mask first by working through our past and what we need to heal before it starts impacting our wellbeing and our relationships. We need to learn how to embrace, process and reconceptualize what we go through, not push it down, or we may start to resent putting other people’s needs before our own. We need to learn how to process our experiences and feelings, not feel ashamed that we have emotions like frustration, anger and so on. When we do this, we are better able to connect with ourselves and the people in our lives on a deeper level, instead of using boundaries to put up walls around ourselves and keep people out. It is not selfish to work on ourselves and take the time to heal and connect with our authentic self. Rather, doing so promotes interdependence: the ability to truly thrive and connect with others in meaningful ways. This kind of autonomy is not the freedom to do whatever we want without consequences; it is the recognition that we are part of a larger whole, and that we as individuals do not have to do it all by ourselves. Our relationship with ourselves is the foundation of any relationship we will have. For more on finding your authentic self, listen to my podcast with Nicole (episode #471) and check out her amazing work. Podcast Highlights 1:54 Nicole’s amazing work 4:19 Social media & therapy 6:28 Nicole’s new book How to Meet Your Self 8:00 How the past affects our present 10:14 Why it takes time to change past patterns & habits 14:00 The power of the conscious mind 19:33 Getting out of “auto-pilot mode” 26:10 Learning habits starts in childhood 35:17 Healing religious trauma 36:28 How healing ourselves helps us connect with others 41:50 Why we need to allow ourselves to acknowledge our emotions 45:00 What our need for boundaries tells us about ourselves 50:00 Autonomy versus selfishness This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. We always encourage each person to make the decision that seems best for their situation with the guidance of a medical professional. To read the original article click here.

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Embracing Your Comfort Zone Can Help Rewire Your Brain/Create New Healthy Habits

The AHA! Team — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 08:10:41 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – In this podcast (episode #485) and blog, I talk to bestselling author, editor and journalist Adam Bornstein about his latest book You Can’t Screw This Up, the mental health benefits of enjoying food, the science of self-perception, the power of releasing mental baggage, why most diet plans fail, and so much more! Adam is a New York Times best-selling author and an award-winning fitness and nutrition journalist and editor. Named “one of the most influential people in health”, Bornstein is the CEO and founder of Born Fitness. Previously, he was the editorial director for LIVESTRONG.COM and the fitness editor for Men’s Health magazine. His first book, The Impact! Body Plan, was a fitness bestseller, and that was followed by The Men’s Health Diet (with Stephen Perrine), The Women’s Health Big Book of Abs, and The Men’s Health Big Book: Getting Abs. Adam has articles featured in publications such as The New York Times, ESPN the Magazine, Forbes, and Fast Company. He also has a monthly column in Men’s Fitness magazine called “Learn It.” Bornstein has appeared on Good Morning America, The Early Show, and E! News. He also blogs at bornfitness.com to discuss all topics related to health, fitness, and nutrition. As Adam notes in his book You Can’t Screw This Up, the diet industry is great at making us follow more diets, not making us leave dieting behind. But why is it that the more diet books and nutrition information we publish, the more unhealthy we become? What is going on here? We tend to associate health with extreme cost and sacrifice. However, even though change can be hard, improving our health doesn’t have to be painful. This has warped our belief on what it takes to become healthier. But the reality is that we don’t need another restrictive, unrealistic plan. We need tools that help us enjoy what we eat (including takeout!) and be healthier at the same time. In his incredibly easy-to-follow book, Adam gives us these tools, showing us how upgrading our health and losing weight for good requires us to turn our back on the typical dieting culture by following successful habits and frameworks not typically seen in nutrition and fitness. As Adam notes in his book, once we learn a better way to build healthy habits, we can leave behind the shame and guilt of most plans and make the healthy lifestyle changes we’ve been chasing. Our ability to create healthier habits relies not on abandoning our comfort zone, but expanding it. This means doing some things that are new and challenging, while keeping some things that are old and familiar, based on where and how we thrive as individuals. Yet one of the biggest barriers to this approach is our self-perception. So many of us have a mental boundary when it comes to food and health. Diets have taught us to expect a level of perfection and adherence that is not realistic or possible, and we end up just waiting for failure to come. Dieting culture has also taught us to measure success using ephemeral things like a number on a scale, counting calories or eating superfoods, which only add to our stress. This, in turn, affects how we feel mentally and physically, impacting our ability to become healthier and taking away from what we should really be focusing on: what we think of ourselves. Self-perception plays a key role in our ability to change our behaviors and improve our health When we want to change, we can’t just wait to become motivated, take action and change. The research on behavioral change shows us that we need to start with our relationship with our selves. If we don’t think we can be healthy or succeed, or if we do not fundamentally like who we are, then we are setting ourselves up for failure even if we experience short term success. Improving our self-perception starts with understanding what it truly means to be healthy. This means being vulnerable with ourselves, having self-compassion, and developing a positive self-perception; it is the understanding that “I am a healthy person, I am just figuring this out as I go along.” We know we are not a finished product; we are works-in-progress, not failures. This starts with setting small, easy goals, which are the foundation of successful behavioral change. Dieting tends to throw people in the deep end and then makes them feel weak for failing. However, when we set small, attainable health goals, we are far more likely to reach our goals and feel empowered to continue moving forward—the research consistently shows that success breeds success. We can go fast by starting slow! It is also important to remember than no diet works for everyone. Different ways of eating work for different people. Research shows that the key factor when it comes to healthy eating is what is sustainable—the way of eating we can maintain for the longest period of time. The question isn’t what food we need to remove or what dietary tribe we need to follow; rather, it is what is sustainable for us in the short and long term. For more on healthy habits and dieting culture, listen to my podcast with Adam (episode #485) and check out his amazing book You Can’t Screw This Up. Podcast Highlights 2:14 Adam’s journey 3:50 The truth behind dieting & diet books 7:10 Adam’s amazing new book You Can’t Screw This Up 12:24, 20:00 The science of self-perception 20:45 How the wellness industry manipulates our emotions 21:40 How shame & guilt impact our health 24:20 The importance of setting easy goals 26:34 We are incredibly resilient! 29:24 It’s okay to eat takeout! 31:50 The power of community meals 36:30 Why we should allow ourselves to enjoy eating This podcast and blog are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. We always encourage each person to make the decision that seems best for their situation with the guidance of a medical professional. To read the original article click here.

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More Energy Now in 2022

AHA Publisher — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 08:00:59 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – As you move into a New Year, you may be ready to make health changes. You may be motivated and optimistic. Or, you may feel overwhelmed, fatigued or even discouraged by everything going on in the world today. No matter your current mood, to accomplish any goals this year, start with more energy! Feeling “more energy” is often subjective. In its simplest form, energy is derived from consuming calories, or units of energy. However, there’s more to it than that. There are vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and other compounds at work in our bodies that make consumed energy usable to the body. There is the health of cells, tissues, and organs, and whether or not they effectively respond to the compounds. There are also emotional, mental and physical factors that drain our energy and cause feelings of fatigue. Where can you start to get more energy? Let’s start with units of energy and compounds that help our body use them. Then, let’s focus on ways to make your cells healthy enough to effectively and efficiently use the energy. Lastly, let’s conquer a few “energy” drainers with simply healthy habits. Ready? Divine Health® Energizing Smoothie For More Energy Now! Ingredients 1 cup coconut or almond milk (from a carton, not can) 1/2 scoop Divine Health® Fermented Green Supremefood® 1/2 scoop Divine Health® Organic Red Supremefood® 1/2 cup frozen raw berries 1 cup fresh greens 1/2 avocado 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar 1 scoop Keto Zone® Collagen Powder (Unflavored) 1 scoop Keto Zone® Fiber Zone (Unflavored) 1/2-1 cup brewed green tea or black tea ice cubes (optional) Instructions Mix all ingredients in a blender, adding water as needed for desired consistently (I typically use about 1 cup water). Makes 1 large serving. Enjoy! Nutrition info: 415 calories, 13 grams fat, 8 grams net carbs (26 grams carbs, 18 grams fiber), 26 grams protein More Energy Ingredients Teas and Caffeine While there’s not much caffeine in this smoothie, there’s enough to “wake up” the brain and provide a subtle pick-me-up any time of day. How does caffeine affect energy? Caffeine crosses the blood-brain barrier to inhibit adenosine in the brain. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that quiets the central nervous system (1). Then, without adenosine in the way, epinephrine increases. Epinephrine stimulates the body and brain. These effects are enough to increase subjective feelings of energy, physical performance, and brain alertness. What’s more, green and black tea contain antioxidants and phytochemicals to support cellular and whole-body health. In fact, green tea contains a compound called L-theanine. L-theanine promotes steady energy (2). Green tea has also been shown to boost physical performance, increase the breakdown of fat for energy, and stimulate norepinephrine(3, 4, 5). Chlorophyll Chlorophyll, found in Divine Health® Fermented Green Supremefood® and fresh greens, is the lifeblood of plants. When consumed by humans, it’s one of the best energizing foods. Similar to hemoglobin, chlorophyll carries nutrients in the blood. However, it doesn’t carry iron. It carries another energizing mineral, magnesium (6). Magnesium supports the production of energy throughout the body as well as healthy sleep cycles. Furthermore, chlorophyll helps alkalize the body and urine pH. This supports liver function and helps the body remove toxins like metals, pesticides, and more. Look to chlorophyll to energize your body in many of the same ways it energizes and stimulates plants! Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Organic apple cider vinegar is an ingredient in many folk medicine cures. It is known to fight both bacterial and viral infections, yeasts, and more. How does it energize? One great effect of consuming apple cider vinegar is that it causes the sinuses to drain and throat pathways to clear. As they clear and dilate, they allow for better oxygen transport from your head to your lungs to your body. Essentially, it promotes clear breathing! Importantly, you should never drink it straight. Always dilute to just 1-2 tablespoons per 8 ounces liquid to protect your esophagus while supporting immune health, liver health, and alkalization of the body. Beets Beets are vibrant and nutritious. They contain amazingly energizing compounds, called betanins. Betanins are responsible for beet’s many health benefits in the human body, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions (7). What’s more, beets also support the production and work of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant our cells make to fight damaging substances. Beets also promote vasodilation. This makes them one of the great energizing foods! Beets contain natural nitrates that are converted to nitric oxides in the body. Nitric oxides dilate blood vessels, allowing more oxygen to circulate more efficiently. Nitric oxide may also increase muscle tissues’ ability to use oxygen (8). One of the best ways to get the power of beets is through a fruit and vegetable powder like Divine Health® Organic Red Supremefood®. Fiber Believe it or not, your digestive tract health is one key to energizing your body. In fact, specific fibers, called inulin and psyllium husk, directly support digestive health and energy. They both stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, improve digestion, and support immune health (9, 10). When digestion is working right, your body can absorb and use all the energizing foods and nutrients you give it! For a great source of inulin and psyllium husk, try a high-quality fiber powder such as Keto Zone®Fiber Zone (Unflavored). More Energy Habits for the New Year Of course, there are many factors, lifestyle habits, and individual characteristics that contribute to feelings of energy or fatigue in each of us. Here are a few to focus on as you work for more energy this year: Sleep. Obviously, if you don’t get enough sleep, you’re going to feel tired, low, and fatigued. What’s more, lack of sleep actually contributes to many health issues (11). Aim for at least 7-8 hours of high-quality sleep every night for better energy and mood this year. De-Stress. When stress and cortisol build up, we feel a cascade of effects. These effects include fatigue and overwhelm. Chronic high stress can even affect your health (12). Use daily tools, like these, to reduce stress and feel more energy. Exercise. Exercise, especially outdoors, is a great mood lifter and energizer (13)! Hydrate. Did you know that dehydration promotes feelings of being overwhelmed, fatigued, and foggy? Amazingly, dehydrated adults often feel more stress and have more cortisol (14)? Did you also know that most adults function in a state of dehydration each day? There’s an easy fix! Try to drink 32-48 ounces of water by noon, and another 32-48 ounces of water by 6pm each day. If you exercise, drink more! Sunshine. Natural sunlight is one of nature’s best mood lifters and energizers. In fact, sunlight has been shown to decrease depressed moods and increase serotonin levels (15). Cold Shower. Even though it may be frigid outside, an icy blast in the shower is still a good idea! Why? It invigorates and energizes the body and immune system. Nature’s Best Stress Relief. Amazingly, nano-particle hemp oils like those Dr. Colbert’s Nano-Science Hemp Oil, can help you feel more energy by supporting stable moods (16), stress relief and normalized cortisol levels, healthy sleep habits (17), healthy brain and nervous system functions (18), and healthy cardiovascular functions(19). Bottom Line Before working on a list of positive changes for the new year, simply learn how to energize your body better! Start with our Divine Health More Energy Smoothie, add delicious, healthy, energizing foods to your diet, and work on lifestyle habits that support health and energy. It’s a new year. Get more energy now! To read the original article click here.

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