What drinks do people who live long consume?

More often than not, residents of so-called "blue zones," that is, regions with the highest concentration of people living to age 100 and older, prefer to drink water, Natalie Komova and Dana Ellis Hannes, a senior researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles, Medical Center said.

As Eat This, Not This! writes, water helps remove toxins from the body, maintain normal blood pressure, transport nutrients, balance electrolytes and speed up metabolism.

According to Komova, residents of "blue zones," especially in Sardinia and Icaria, also sometimes drink high-quality dry red wine. According to the expert, red wine contains a large amount of resveratrol - an antioxidant that helps reduce the level of "bad" LDL cholesterol, reduce inflammation and prevent damage to blood vessels. However, you must remember not to drink more than a glass a day.

Dana Ellis Hannes also advises paying attention to black coffee, which is consumed daily by many Mediterranean long-livers.

"Coffee beans are full of antioxidants, polyphenols and other substances with anti-inflammatory effects and may be linked to longevity and reduced risk of chronic disease," she said.

Tea is also part of the daily diet in many Blue Zones, especially in Okinawa, where residents can drink large portions of green tea all day. Icarians prefer herbal teas with rosemary, dandelion and wild sage, while Sardinians prefer milk thistle tea, which is thought to be good for the liver.

"Green tea is rich in catechins and polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties and prevent disease by fighting free radicals, regulating cholesterol levels, stabilizing blood pressure and increasing cell division," Komova noted.

Experts recommend drinking black tea as well, as it can lower blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, improve cholesterol levels and maintain healthy bowels.

It should be noted that long-livers tend to drink tea without sweeteners and add a slice of lemon or some fresh mint for flavor.

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter