How to live longer: Eating turmeric daily is the key to longevity – but how much?

A longer life can be achieved through some simple lifestyle changes, according to health experts.

Quitting smoking can cut your risk of dying from cancer related to smoking and slash your risk of stroke.

And alongside exercise, the NHS, says eating a healthy, balanced diet is crucial to helping you live longer, and one food recommended by health experts is olive oil.

Turmeric has become well recognised over the last few years for its host of health benefits.

It’s packed with curcumin, which helps relieve long-term inflammation, and may benefit brain health in particular. But how much should you be eating every day?

Medical consultant Dr Sarah Brewer and dietician Juliette Kellow say you should add spices like turmeric liberally to your meals every day in their book titled ‘Eat Better Live Longer’.

Turmeric isn’t the only spice they recommend. Others include black pepper, cinnamon and ginger.

They write: “The medicinal and longevity properties of spices have been known about since ancient times.

“Now scientific studies are providing evidence to back up their potential health benefits, which include cancer protection and improving memory.

“Plus, they add flavour to food, helping us to slash our salt intake.

The pair then go on to list the various health benefits of spices.

Protect against cancer

Several spices have been linked to protecting against cancer, including ginger and black pepper, say the duo.

They add: “But the strongest evidence so far is of turmeric. Several lab-based studies show that curcumin in turmeric seems to be able to kill cancer cells, particularly in the breast, bowel, stomach, and skin, plus it even seems to prevent more from growing.”

Diabetes aid

Many studies show that cinnamon may help to improve insulin sensitivity and beneficially aid blood sugar control.

Dr Brewer and Ms Kellow say: “One review of studies found that cinnamon significantly improved fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.”

Fights inflammation

Lab-based tests show many spices act as anti-inflammatories, but it’s cur cumin (in turmeric) and ginger that top the list.

The experts add: “Several studies show signs of inflammation are reduced in people when capsules containing these spices are taken.

“It’s good news for fighting ageing as long-term inflammation can lead to health problems such as inflammatory bowel disease, some cancers, dementia, and arthritis.”

Another food recommended by the women to improve life expectancy is avocado.