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So it isnt exactly far-fetched to extend the connection to longevity.

In Buettners book he highlights six of them, which he elaborates on here.

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Blue Zones expert and author ofThe Blue Zones Secrets for Longer Living

This is one gut check that just might add years to your life.

6 gut health habits practiced by people in Blue Zones

1.

Eat more whole grains, nuts, veggies, beans, and fresh fruit.

An image of four wine glasses on a wooden surface

Not surprisingly, many of the gut health habits on Buettners list have to do with diet.

She adds that as we age, the muscles in the digestive tract weaken.

This makes it even more important to get enough fiber later in life.

Young woman mixing ice coffee

The longevity all-star food is beans,he told Well+Good.

Brush and floss your teeth regularly.

Scientific studies back him up.

Cropped shot of young woman shopping in the dairy section of a supermarket. She is reading the nutrition label on a container of fresh organic healthy natural yoghurt

Blue Zones expert and author ofThe Blue Zones Secrets for Longer Living

Your mouth goes one step further because it protects you from deadly viruses and bacteria.

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3.

Fermented foods up the amount of good bacteria in the gut,which helps prevent chronic inflammation.

Two cups with coffee and green tea on a beige background.

Eat foods rich in polyphenols.

According to Buettner, many of the foods popular in Blue Zones are great sources of it.

A few in particular include coffee, berries, nuts, spinach, and dark chocolate.

red pigment in a wooden spoon

Season your food with garlic, turmeric, and ginger.

Watch the video below to learn more about the health benefits of turmeric:

6.

So far, Buettner has highlighted several types of foods that are common in all five Blue Zones.

But something they collectivelydonteat much of is sugar.

They dont replace it with chemical sugar substitutes like Splenda either.

Honey is their go-to sweetener, Buettner says.

Its easier on the organs than sugar and also has more nutrients.

He adds thatIkarian honeyhas even been linked to lowering inflammation and killing cancer cells in vitro.

Some reasonswhy honey makes the best sugar alternativeis because its antibacterial, antimicrobial, and high in antioxidants.

Sugar on the other hand, is directly linked tokilling the good bacteria in the gut.

Ditto for using honey as your go-to sweetener and brushing your teeth.

Over time, these small habits have a big effect.

One youll likely be around to see pay off for many, many years.

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