The Centenarian Secret: 27 Foods Doctors Eat Every Day for Maximum Healthspan

23. Watercress: The Telomere-Protecting Green

Watercress is a peppery green revered by longevity researchers for its unique ability to influence telomeres—the protective caps on the ends of your DNA strands that shorten as you age. While leafy greens are listed, watercress contains specific isothiocyanates (like PEITC) that have been shown in some laboratory studies to potentially slow telomere shortening and increase their repair. Furthermore, its exceptionally high Vitamin K content is crucial for bone health and preventing arterial calcification, which preserves vascular youth. Blend a generous handful into smoothies, or use it as a base for salads with an olive oil dressing. This tiny green delivers concentrated, cutting-edge support for your body’s aging mechanisms.

24. Carrot Seed Oil (Topical): The Skin's Photoprotective Shield

While carrots are listed, the oil extracted from carrot seeds offers a unique, externally applied longevity benefit: photoprotection and skin resilience. As the body's largest organ, the skin's health is a visible marker of healthspan. Carrot seed oil is rich in carotol and powerful antioxidants that help the skin defend against UV damage and reduce oxidative stress that causes visible aging (photoaging). Doctors recognize that reducing skin damage lowers overall systemic inflammatory load. While not a replacement for sunscreen, applying a few drops mixed with a carrier oil daily supports collagen production and accelerates skin repair, offering a practical, non-dietary habit for preserving a youthful defense layer.