I didn’t get sick in 43 years: 5 foods I incorporated into my daily routine.
My name is Margarita, and I’m 90 years old. I don’t take pills in the morning or at night. I don’t have diabetes or serious blood pressure issues. I wake up on my own, prepare my own breakfast, walk every day, read without glasses, and remember what I choose to remember.
Some people say it’s luck. Others say it’s genetics. I always give the same answer: I learned to be mindful of what I put on my plate. I didn’t spend my life fighting illness—I focused on not giving it the opportunity to take root.
When I look around, I see many people my age living with aches, constant tiredness, restless nights, and a handful of medications. We often shrug and say, “That’s just getting old.” But what if it isn’t just age? What if it reflects the way we’ve eaten for decades?
The encouraging truth is that it’s never too late. Even at 60, 70, or 80, you can strengthen your health—not through extreme diets or harsh restrictions, but through simple, natural, consistent choices.
These are the five foods that gave me a second youth.
1. Aronia (Chokeberry): Small but Powerful
I began eating aronia more than 30 years ago after a neighbor, a health assistant, recommended it. She told me, “If you want to keep your blood vessels young, make this berry part of your routine.”
Simple preparation:
Place a handful of dried berries in a thermos, pour hot water over them, and let steep for 2–3 hours. Drink half a glass daily.
Over time, I noticed real changes: less heaviness in my head, warmer hands during winter, and steadier blood pressure.
Aronia is rich in anthocyanins—potent antioxidants that help protect blood vessels, support brain circulation, promote eye health, and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
You can add it to unsweetened compotes, oatmeal, or enjoy it as an infusion.
2. Willowherb Tea: Gentle Support for the Nervous System
This traditional herbal tea was once very common. I brought it back into my routine about 20 years ago, and now it’s a daily afternoon ritual.
Main benefits:
- Calms the nervous system
- Improves sleep quality
- Supports digestion
- Reduces mild inflammation
- Helps ease water retention
Preparation:
Add one teaspoon of dried herb to 300 ml of hot water. Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes. Drink warm, ideally after meals or in the evening.
Unlike coffee or strong black tea, it doesn’t cause nervousness or dependency. It’s especially helpful for those who experience mild palpitations or end-of-day anxiety.
3. Buckwheat: Steady Energy and Balanced Blood Sugar
Buckwheat has been a lifelong staple for me—simple, affordable, and deeply nourishing.
In my 60s, I began noticing blood sugar fluctuations: fatigue after meals, sudden drowsiness, and weakness. I replaced white bread and refined grains with buckwheat cooked in water.
The result:
- More consistent energy
- Less post-meal sleepiness
- Improved blood sugar stability
- A satisfying fullness without heaviness
Buckwheat is rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, and iron.
Basic preparation:
Use 1 cup of buckwheat to 2 cups of water. Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes. No frying, no butter, and minimal salt.
After cooking, you can add a tablespoon of flaxseed oil to enhance the healthy fat profile.
4. Seaweed (Kelp or Laminaria): Natural Thyroid Support
I first tried seaweed in my 40s when I struggled with fatigue and cold hands. I later realized I needed more iodine in my diet.
Benefits:
- Provides natural iodine for thyroid health
- Contains B vitamins, iron, and magnesium
- Supports metabolic balance
- May help lower cholesterol
- Assists liver detoxification
Important:
Avoid canned varieties with vinegar or sugar. Choose dried (rehydrated) or frozen kelp without additives.
How to use:
Add 1–2 tablespoons to salads with grated carrot or beetroot, or mix it into buckwheat.
5. Sauerkraut (Fermented Cabbage): Living Gut Support
Fermented cabbage was a part of my childhood—just cabbage, carrot, and salt. No vinegar. No sugar.
Later in life, I understood its real value: it’s a natural probiotic food.
Benefits:
- Supports healthy gut flora
- Reduces digestive inflammation
- Strengthens immunity
- Provides vitamin C
- Contains vitamin B6, beneficial for the nervous system
Taking 1–2 tablespoons before meals helps prepare the digestive system and may improve nutrient absorption. It’s especially helpful after antibiotic use or mild digestive troubles.
Tips for Long-Term Vitality
- Consistency matters more than quantity.
- Avoid processed foods high in sugar, artificial vinegar, and preservatives.
- Stay well hydrated throughout the day.
- Walk daily—even 20–30 minutes makes a difference.
- If you have chronic conditions, consult a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes.
- Focus on simple, natural foods instead of unnecessary supplements.
- Maintain a regular sleep routine.
- Listen to your body—steady energy is a sign of balance.
Longevity isn’t built on a miracle food. It grows from small, thoughtful choices repeated over many years. Eating simple, natural foods in moderation can mean the difference between merely getting by and truly living with strength and vitality well into old age.
