1. Consuming a Plant-Based Diet
Do you want to live a long, healthy life? If so, try practicing a plant-based diet. Plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants and fiber. These components help reduce inflammation and prevent cell damage in the body. Additionally, consuming less red meat, processed foods, sugar, and salt can lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
The Mediterranean diet has been extensively researched. It is based on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seafood, and olive oil. Practicing this diet greatly helps in maintaining good health.
2. Managing and Maintaining Weight
Weight management is also very important. Excessive weight can lead to obesity, which worsens health and shortens lifespan. Obesity puts stress on joints, causes inflammation and hormonal disorders, and negatively affects mental health. Diseases associated with obesity include cancer, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and depression. For Koreans, a waist circumference of 90 cm for men and 85 cm for women is considered obese.
3. Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is very effective in preventing chronic diseases. Exercise reduces stress, improves mental health, lowers body weight and fat percentage, and improves various health indicators such as blood sugar, blood pressure, inflammation, and blood flow. Exercise can be easily practiced in daily life. For example, taking the stairs instead of the elevator and walking short distances can have significant effects.
4. Social Connections
For a healthier and longer life, mental health is as important as physical health. Socially isolated individuals have a higher risk of early death. Loneliness increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and depression. To prevent this, it is important to maintain relationships with friends, family, engage in religious activities, or volunteer work.
5. Quitting Smoking
Smoking adversely affects almost every organ in the body. Chemicals in cigarette smoke damage the bronchi and lungs, enter the bloodstream, and cause inflammation throughout the body. Diseases associated with smoking include heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke, and diabetes. Quitting smoking is essential for health. E-cigarettes also require caution, as their health effects are not yet fully studied.
Conclusion
Now, practice these five habits to live a healthy and happy life. We can all live longer, healthier lives. Start today!