Medical Reports: 7 Foods to Live Longer

WSVN -- Men on average live to be 74 years old, women: 79.

But, for many, heart disease runs in their family, and they know it means a much shorter life.

Cynthia Roberts: "Everyone in my family has heart disease, hypertension, diabetes."

Despite knowing she had a problem, Cynthia couldn't manage to fit a healthy diet or exercise routine in her busy life.

Cynthia Roberts: "It seems like every year you put on one pound here, two pounds there, and blood pressure keeps creeping up."

But, recently, she found a dietician who put her on a diet she could live with.

Sonia Angel: "OK, Cynthia, so this is the way that I want you to eat."

It's called the Bonus Years Diet.

Dr. Ralph Felder: "This is the first nutritional prescription, which is designed to reduce your cardiovascular risk by 75 percent -- heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease. That translates into you living an extra 6.4 bonus years life."

Dr. Ralph Felder says there are seven miracle foods that everyone should be eating.

Number one, fruits and then vegetables.

Dr. Ralph Felder: "Four cups of fruits and vegetables each day helps to lower your blood pressure."

Number three, nuts and, believe it or not, garlic is number four.

Dr. Ralph Felder: "Two ounces of nuts and one glove of garlic helps to lower your bad cholesterol."

Five: Your favorite fish.

Dr. Ralph Felder: "People who eat fish at least three times a week dramatically decrease their risk of heart attack and stroke, sudden death by example, by 50 percent."

Six, and here's one everybody likes to hear: some red wine -- but one glass only.

Sonia Angel: "We must not abuse the amount of wine that we have. We recommend one drink of about three ounces for women and not more than two drinks for men."

And, topping the list, a piece of dark chocolate will also help lower your blood pressure.

Sonia Angel: "You must always try to choose at least 60 to 70 percent of pure cocoa."

And you should only have one piece -- about two ounces.

But, like any diet, you have to stick to it.

Dr. Ralph Felder: "You want to maybe follow the diet 80 percent of the time."

Cynthia already sees a difference and is looking forward to a longer healthier life.

Cynthia Roberts: "I feel much better. I have more energy. I've lost 12 pounds."

Diana Diaz: "Doctors say exercising on a regular basis is also a must for the miracle foods to work."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

The Bonus Years Diet
www.thebonusyearsdiet.com

Sonia Angel/Dietician
Memorial Hospital Pembroke
7800 Sheridan Street
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
www.memorialpembroke.com/