The Melis family, residing in Sardinia, Italy, has amazed the world with their remarkable longevity. In 2024, the cumulative age of their nine family members reached 861 years, earning them recognition as one of the longest-living families.
Not only do they live long lives, but they also maintain robust health and mental acuity. According to EDH, the secret to the Melis family’s longevity has been revealed in documentaries, with their diet playing an instrumental role.
What sets them apart is that their meals are not complicated, yet they are highly nutritious and scientifically proven to be effective.
The “Blue Zone” Diet: Foundation of Longevity
Sardinia is one of the five prominent “blue zones” globally, renowned for its astonishingly high proportion of centenarians. The locals adhere to a plant-rich diet, minimizing red meat consumption and almost entirely avoiding processed foods.
This natural diet facilitates weight control, reduces inflammation, and enhances cardiovascular health.
For the Melis family, their daily lunch typically features dishes such as vegetable and bean soup, sourdough bread, and a small glass of red wine. This perfect combination of natural foods ensures sufficient nutrition and confers long-term health benefits.
The Melis family’s dishes are prepared with simple cooking methods, ensuring an ample supply of fiber, protein, and antioxidants.
One of their signature dishes is the vegetable and bean soup, made with various types of beans, including chickpeas, white beans, and red beans, combined with fresh vegetables like carrots, onions, tomatoes, and celery.
These dishes not only provide exceptional nutritional value but also promote a healthier gut microbiome, reduce inflammation, and boost cardiovascular health. A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition revealed that a fiber-rich diet, abundant in beans and vegetables, may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes while improving overall health.
The Melis Family Members
Nutritional Value of the Simple Soup
The Melis family’s vegetable and bean soup is hailed as a “superfood” for its comprehensive nutritional profile.
Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, and they contain no cholesterol. When combined with vegetables like carrots, onions, tomatoes, and celery, this soup provides an array of essential vitamins and minerals.
Additionally, the use of olive oil in the soup enhances its flavor and introduces healthy fats, beneficial for cardiovascular health.
A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition affirmed that consuming bean- and vegetable-rich foods can improve the gut microbiome, boost the immune system, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Furthermore, natural spices like bay leaves and pepper add flavor to the dish without relying on processed seasonings, thus minimizing the harmful effects of salt and additives.
The Melis family’s vegetable and bean soup is acclaimed as a “superfood” for its comprehensive nutritional offerings.
Sourdough Bread and Red Wine: Stabilizing Blood Sugar Levels
Sourdough bread has become an integral part of the Sardinian lunch routine. Produced using natural yeast and lactic acid bacteria, this type of bread has a significantly lower glycemic index compared to regular white bread.
According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, sourdough bread not only helps regulate blood sugar levels but also promotes digestion due to its rich content of beneficial bacteria.
Paired with the sourdough bread is a glass of red wine, an iconic element of Italian culinary culture. Red wine contains powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols and resveratrol, which reduce inflammation, protect the cardiovascular system, and enhance brain function.
Additionally, a Nature Reviews Cardiology study revealed that moderate consumption of red wine may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and increase longevity.
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