Doctor says most of his longest living patients all make the same dietary choice

In a world where we're all trying to extend our lifespan by any means possible, one doctor insists there's only a single, minor amendment we need to make to our daily routine in order to do so.

For some, that's by popping Vitamin C and Apple Cider supplements or bashing the gym seven days a week.

Others, meanwhile, believe strong physical health starts with positive mental health, and that mindfulness and meditation are keys to longer living, whilst some say it's as simple as being surrounded by those that love you.

Apparently, there are verifiable means of living longer (Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty)

However, one doctor is reiterating the age-old saying that 'you are what you eat', and believes the most vital change you can make to your health is my implementing a certain diet, which he says has proven to extend life expectancy in several of his patients.

Speaking to press this week, Dr Darshan Shah - a wellness specialist who also works as chief medical officer at Next Health - first of all claimed several of his oldest living patients began focussing on four key lifestyle areas as they started to age.

As well as implementing regular exercise, avoiding bad habits and promoting good ones, Dr Shah said a particular diet played a huge part.

But what exactly were they eating to life for so long?

Whole foods are apparently the key to a longer life (Kseniya Ovchinnikova/Getty)

Apparently, most of Dr Shah's longest living patients boasted anti-inflammatory rich diets, which consisted of plenty of whole foods and a limited amount of ultra-processed ingredients.

"Luckily, I have been able to observe many people in their 80s and some in their 90s, and I have been surprised by the simple things that make all the difference!" the medic told GB News this week.

He added that the plates of these patients are often filled with plant-based features like lentils, beans, greens, nuts and vast plethora of vegetables, along with a sprinkling of healthy fat, like olive oil and avocado.

Dr Shah also claimed these patients regularly consumed foods rich with Omega 3, such as walnuts and fatty fish.

Ultra-processed foods, however - which describe items formed industrially that are derived from natural foods - are detrimental to health, with the medic claiming his longest living patients avoided them at all costs.

Ultra-processed foods are a big no-no (Getty/Huw Jones)

These include the likes of cereal, crisps, white bread, sauce, which commonly include synthetic substances like additives, preservatives, emulsifiers, sweeteners, artificial colours or flavours.

However, a healthy diet isn't everything as he also recommends exercise - though his patients primarily took part in 'low-intensity' activities, like gardening, cycling and walking.

"Although many of these tips listed may seem intuitive and 'too simple to be true', I can tell you there is no supplement or technology that even comes close to moving the needle of health-span and longevity as consistent application of these rules," Dr Shah concluded.