Foods Doctors Eat Every Day for Maximum Healthspan

17. Reishi Mushroom (Powder/Extract): The Stress-Response Modulator

Reishi mushroom, known in traditional Asian medicine as the "Mushroom of Immortality," is valued by modern health experts for its adaptogenic properties. It contains triterpenes that help balance the body’s stress response, lowering chronically elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol. High cortisol accelerates aging and inflammation, making stress management vital for healthspan. While not typically eaten whole, consuming Reishi powder or extract in an evening tea or smoothie can promote deeper, restorative sleep and a state of neurological calm. This indirect, yet fundamental, action supports the internal homeostasis necessary for sustained cellular repair and resilience.

18. Onions (Red and Yellow): The Quercetin and Sulfur Ally

Onions are a culinary staple offering profound longevity benefits, particularly through their high content of the flavonoid quercetin and sulfur compounds. Quercetin is a powerful senolytic agent, studied for its ability to help the body clear old, damaged (senescent) cells that contribute to chronic inflammation. The sulfur compounds support liver detoxification pathways, which are essential for processing toxins that accumulate with age. Integrating sautéed or raw onions into daily meals provides a reliable, affordable source of these compounds, supporting cellular clean-up, heart health, and maintaining the low inflammatory state crucial for a longer, healthier life.