{"id":6380,"date":"2023-08-08T20:26:59","date_gmt":"2023-08-08T13:26:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=6380"},"modified":"2023-08-08T20:26:59","modified_gmt":"2023-08-08T13:26:59","slug":"why-expanding-your-palate-can-boost-longevity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=6380","title":{"rendered":"\u200bWhy Expanding Your Palate Can Boost Longevity"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"drop-cap text-big text-gray\"> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">T<\/span>here\u2019s no time better than the present to look into <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/longevity-lifestyle-tips\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/longevity-lifestyle-tips\/\">lifestyle habits that support long-term health<\/a>. Naturally, being proactive is much more advantageous than doing damage control only once signs of unwellness kick in. That said, prioritizing restriction is definitely <em>not<\/em> on the menu du jour. \u201cI like to think about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/flavorful-food-for-longevity\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/flavorful-food-for-longevity\/\">expanding the plate<\/a> from the lens of addition: what are you adding to your overall pattern of eating rather than what are you taking away,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/mayafellernutrition.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/mayafellernutrition.com\/\">Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN<\/a>, a Brooklyn\u2013based dietitian and the author of <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FEating-Our-Roots-Home-Cooked-Favorites%2Fdp%2F0593235088%2Fref%3Dtmm_hrd_swatch_0%3F_encoding%3DUTF8%26amp%253Bqid%3D%26amp%253Bsr%3D%26tag%3Dwgtrx11218-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fexpanding-your-palate%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fexpanding-your-palate%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Eating-Our-Roots-Home-Cooked-Favorites\/dp\/0593235088\/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=&amp;sr=\"><em>Eating from Our Roots: 80+ Healthy Home-Cooked Favorites from Cultures Around the World<\/em><\/a>.<\/div>\n<hr\/>\n<hr\/>\n<p>By taking her lead (read: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/eat-more-plants\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/eat-more-plants\/\">adding more plants<\/a> and culinary diversity into your diet), you can stand to benefit by way of greater joy from eating, better gut health, and ultimately improved outcomes for longevity.<\/p>\n<h2>4 ways expanding your palate can promote longevity<\/h2>\n<p>As the saying goes, variety is the spice of life\u2014but according to Feller, variety is the nutrient that <em>supports<\/em> life. Here are a few key ways in which dietary diversity can lead to major improvements in lifespan.<\/p>\n<h3>1. You\u2019ll achieve greater gut diversity<\/h3>\n<p>To start, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/healthy-gut-microbiome\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/healthy-gut-microbiome\/\">diverse gut<\/a> is a healthy one, and eating a variety of plants can help you achieve exactly that. \u201cPatterns of eating that are rich in a variety of plant sources\u2014including starchy vegetables, legumes, beans, and seeds\u2014help to increase the diversity of colonic bacteria in the gut,\u201d Feller says. Indeed, findings from the American Gut Project demonstrate that people who eat <a href=\"https:\/\/journals.asm.org\/doi\/10.1128\/mSystems.00031-18\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/journals.asm.org\/doi\/10.1128\/mSystems.00031-18\">over 30 different plants per week<\/a> have more diverse gut microbiomes than those who eat 10 or fewer varieties.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/expanding-your-palate\/\" current-title=\"\u200bWhy Expanding Your Palate Can Help You Live Longer\" current-image=\"Stocksy_txp0840b329iei300_Small_4417039-425x285.jpg\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2023-02-08\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/expanding-your-palate\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/expanding-your-palate\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/expanding-your-palate\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\u201cWe know that the gut is the largest immune mediator in the body and that there are significant <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/gut-brain-connection\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/gut-brain-connection\/\">links between the gut and the brain<\/a>, the gut and the endocrine system, and more,\u201d Feller continues. \u201cWhen these systems are in homeostasis, we are less likely to experience metabolic dysfunction, which contributes to longevity.\u201d Simply put, when your gut\u2019s in good shape, it promotes a cascade of beneficial outcomes for your digestion, mind, mood, hormones, and then some\u2026 all of which can yield perks for your overall health and well-being over time.<\/p>\n<h3>2. You\u2019ll consume more nutrients with ease<\/h3>\n<p>If you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/eating-same-thing-every-day\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/eating-same-thing-every-day\/\">eat the same thing every day<\/a>, it&#8217;s likely that you&#8217;re missing out on a world of yummy foods packed with good-for-you nutrients. (This applies even if your go-to meals are healthy and balanced enough, but especially if you rely on fare that\u2019s nutritionally void.) You may also put yourself at risk of developing a full-blown nutrient deficiency, which can complicate your health prospects both in the present day and in the long run.<\/p>\n<p>Expanding your palate\u2014whether that be in the produce aisle, your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/spices-for-gut-health\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/spices-for-gut-health\/\">spice rack<\/a>, or across different cultures\u2014is a foolproof way to load up on diverse nutrients. \u201cAs we look at food cultures around the world, we see a wide variety of flavors coming from vegetables, herbs, and spices,\u201d Feller says. \u201cThose foods are rich in nutrients, including polyphenols and phytonutrients. There has been compelling research looking at spices and their antioxidant properties as they relate to health and health outcomes.\u201d For instance, she cites the use of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/turmeric-with-black-pepper\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/turmeric-with-black-pepper\/\">turmeric and black pepper<\/a> (the latter of which boosts the bioavailability of curcumin, turmeric\u2019s anti-inflammatory constituent, by 2,000 percent) in Indigenous cultures.<\/p>\n<h3>3. You\u2019ll savor a wider variety of flavors<\/h3>\n<p>Speaking of herbs and spices, these small but mighty additions to foods and drinks undoubtedly enhance how tasty a given item will be\u2014all the while complementing a pro-longevity eating plan. According to Blue Zones expert Dan Buettner, each of the five hotspots for healthy aging credit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/flavorful-food-for-longevity\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/flavorful-food-for-longevity\/\">flavorful food<\/a> as one of the keys to a longer, healthier, more rewarding life.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, it\u2019s wise to do a bit of cross-cultural culinary exploration for your taste buds and body alike. \u201cBy including global flavors in our pattern of eating, we are expanding the nutrients that we are exposed to,\u201d Feller adds. \u201cAlong with flavor, we are supporting whole-body health.\u201d If you need some inspo to lead the way, Feller suggests a few culinary lineages to check out.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cBy including global flavors in our pattern of eating, we are expanding the nutrients that we are exposed to,\u201d Feller adds. \u201cAlong with flavor, we are supporting whole-body health.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>\u201cNorth African and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/what-is-zaatar\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/what-is-zaatar\/\">Middle Eastern<\/a> flavors use herbs, spices, seafood, and ancient grains as mainstays. Islands throughout the Caribbean often serve wonderful curries, soups, and stews that encourage the inclusion of a variety of vegetables,\u201d says Feller. \u201cAs we move through and around the continent of Africa, some patterns of the plate include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/zoe-adjonyoh-ghanaian-food\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/zoe-adjonyoh-ghanaian-food\/\">lots of plants paired with herbs and spices<\/a>, with animal proteins showing us as the accompaniment rather than the main.\u201d Of course, these examples only scratch the surface of the delicious global fare on offer. But rest assured that by trying new things, rich flavors can make your mouth water <em>and<\/em> offer impressive benefits for your overall health.<\/p>\n<h3>4. You\u2019ll rediscover a sense of joy around eating<\/h3>\n<p>Sometimes, the pressure to \u201ceat clean\u201d (cue eye roll) and restrict certain \u201cbad\u201d foods can distract us from the inherent joy of nourishing our bodies. However, expanding your palate with different plants and flavors\u2014as well as exploring new and perhaps unfamiliar cultural cuisines\u2014can step in to invoke the sheer delight that food brings. \u201cHaving a plate that is delicious and full of flavor contributes to the pleasure and joy of eating,\u201d says Feller. Unfortunately, these sentiments can get lost when we\u2019re laser-focused on nutrients first and foremost. As important as macros and micros are, Feller reminds us that food is so much more than this. \u201cNourishment includes feeding the body, but also the mind. When we allow ourselves to reduce shame around food, we can branch out and add more to our plates.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cHaving a plate that is delicious and full of flavor contributes to the pleasure and joy of eating,\u201d says Feller.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>To double down on the positive, longevity-enhancing aspects of culinary exploration, consider inviting your friends, family, or community members to join you. After all, bonding while breaking (proverbial) bread with others is another important facet across the Blue Zones\u2014as is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/benefits-of-gratitude\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/benefits-of-gratitude\/\">practicing gratitude<\/a> for your meals and for each other.<\/p>\n<div class=\"disclaimers__after_content mb-[18px] mt-[16px] pt-[16px]\">\n<div class=\"outline-earmark relative mt-[8px] pt-[10px] pl-[20px]\">\n<p>\n            Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.          <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s no time better than the present to look into lifestyle habits that support long-term health. Naturally, being proactive is much more advantageous than doing damage control only once signs of unwellness kick in. That said, prioritizing restriction is definitely not on the menu du jour. \u201cI like to think about expanding the plate from &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6381,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6380","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6380","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6380"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6380\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6381"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6380"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6380"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6380"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}