Small habit, big impact: Sir David Attenborough on what may be fueling his longevity
Photo: Sir David Attenborough (photo: wikipedia.org)
The world-renowned naturalist and biologist Sir David Attenborough, who is now 99 years old, has shared one of the key secrets behind his good health and vitality. Daily Express reveals what helps this remarkable man stay so full of life.
Secret to Sir David Attenborough's longevity
Although he is not a full vegetarian, Attenborough has significantly reduced his consumption of red meat and believes this may be one of the factors positively affecting his well-being and longevity.
Back in 2017, the scientist admitted that he had changed his eating habits:
"I have certainly changed my diet. Not in a great sort of dramatic way. But I don't think I've eaten red meat for months," he said.
He noted that he still eats fish and cheese, but overall has become "much more vegetarian" than he ever expected.
Why giving up red meat is beneficial for health
Modern scientific data fully support the benefits of a more plant-based diet. Red meat—beef, pork, lamb, veal, venison, and goat—can be harmful to health when consumed in large quantities.
The UK's NHS emphasizes that excessive consumption of red and processed meat increases the risk of developing bowel cancer. Many types of meat contain high levels of saturated fats, which raise cholesterol levels, directly contributing to heart disease.
Experts stress that if you reduce certain foods in your diet, it is important to do so wisely to avoid losing essential nutrients.
What to eat instead of red meat
Harvard Health specialists recommend choosing foods that provide enough protein without unnecessary health risks. Expert Daniel Pendick noted that replacing just one daily serving of red meat with an alternative protein source reduced mortality by 7–19 percent in one study.
Some of the best healthy alternatives include:
- Fish
- Poultry
- Legumes
- Low-fat dairy products
- Nuts
- Whole grains
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
