Cecil Adams, the former columnist, claims to have done the math with his assistant and discovered that with a large amount of potatoes and milk you get most of what you need, with the exception of the mineral molybdenum. But you can get everything you need by eating some oatmeal as well. However, eating just one type of food is not a long-term possibility. There is simply no edible product that can exclusively sustain a healthy adult.But it's definitely fun to consider, so here are four foods that you could theoretically live on (and why you really can't).
Breast milk is sufficient in calories and has “a little bit of everything,” according to Jo Ann Hattner, nutrition consultant at the Stanford University School and former national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. That's fine for babies, but breast milk lacks a good amount of nutrients, including protein and fiber. An excessive lack of either could cause liver and kidney damage, which is why babies are weaned on solid foods.Kale is an incredible superfood that helps you do everything from delaying age to fighting cancer. A 100-gram serving of kale serves much more than the recommended daily amount of vitamin C (200%), vitamin A (300%) and vitamin K1 (1000%).
However, kale has some problems, such as absorbing too easily a toxic heavy metal called thallium, which is a problem if you devour it in large quantities. Eating raw kale can also inhibit iodine absorption, which could lead to hypothyroidism.While you would have to eat very large amounts to be within walking distance of “a well-balanced diet,” dried fruits and nuts provide calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium and potassium, while being low in sodium. In addition, dried fruits are high in fiber and low in fat, and nuts are naturally an excellent source of protein. The only problem is that there is no source of vitamin B12 and drying fruit eliminates vitamin C, and you'll never get enough vitamin D or K.Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, arugula, mesclum and romaine lettuce, are some of the healthiest foods on the planet.
In fact, in a study conducted by William Paterson University, the 15 types of products with the highest nutrient density were all vegetables. These leafy greens should be the foundation of a healthy diet to combat inflammation and disease-causing heart disease. People who ate at least one serving of green leafy vegetables a day reduced their risk of suffering from all types of cancer by 8%, and another study showed that the same intake was related to a 15.8% decrease in the risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among U. S.
adults.Almonds are nature's perfect snack; they're rich in fiber, protein, and heart-healthy fats. They can also help you live longer. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that those who ate the most nuts had a lower risk of dying from any disease, especially cancer, heart or respiratory diseases.Don't miss popular foods with more vitamin E than almonds. One of the secrets of a healthy diet is to consume enough fiber.
Fiber is the key to suppressing appetite and keeping blood sugar levels low. Chia seeds are surprisingly full of fiber, containing an impressive 6 grams in just two tablespoons, equivalent to 22% of their daily value. They can also help reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that people who increased their dietary fiber intake significantly reduced their risk of death.
Chia seeds are easy to add to yogurt or smoothies to lose weight, or to top salad.People tend to avoid foods high in carbohydrates, such as oatmeal, but this fiber-rich grain can help regulate cholesterol. Oats contain beta-glucan, which has been shown to lower levels of LDL, also known as bad cholesterol. When eaten whole, betaglucan-rich oats help lower LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease according to a review published in the journal Food & Function.Remembering four food groups may be an easier starting point than remembering all the foods prepared in the Blue Zone diet. Share the Blue Zones dietary and dietary guidelines and the list of the ten super blue foods with a group of friends.
Although no single food can prolong your life on its own, there are many foods you can eat in combination with each other that can help you live a healthier and longer life.