25 Foods And Drinks That (Might) Help You Live Longer Slideshow

Just because you're eating for the ultimate long life, that doesn't mean your diet has to be dull. Wonderfully, some seemingly indulgent foods such as candy and booze can aid in longevity. For instance, dark chocolate can lower blood pressure and boost endorphins, and has recently been found to help prevent the cardiac arrhythmia known as atrial fibrillation. Red wine is also famously good for your health. And isn't that the ultimate goal here?

The old saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" actually has some weight to it. Not only does this crisp, refreshing fruit contain antioxidants and dietary fiber, but it's also said to lower your risk of developing dementia.

Yay! This trendy food is also a healthy goldmine. The beloved avocado has been associated with lowering the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and overall mortality thanks to beta-sitosterol, vitamin K, and high fiber levels.

Beans, beans, the magical fruit... sure, this limerick means one thing, but beans are quite magical. They are packed with protein and fiber while simultaneously being low in fat.

Not only is beet juice more hydrating than water, it is also a packed protein source. Beet juice increases muscle power, giving you the power to make it through a workout without harming your heart. It also boosts all the general nutrients of root vegetables with potassium, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, carotenoids, iron, manganese, and magnesium.

These little gems contain more antioxidants than any other fruit out there. Their benefits include ridding the nervous system of oxidative stress, defending the blood system, and decreasing your chances of getting cancer.

Mom was right when she told you to eat your broccoli. This green vegetable is a great source of all kinds of vitamins and nutrients, such as dietary fiber, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin A, and plenty more. The sulforaphane in broccoli is also linked to defending your body from environmental carcinogens.

Like their fellow green vegetable friend broccoli, Brussels sprouts are packed with valuable nutrients, such as vitamin C and vitamin K. Like other cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts also contain compounds called glucosinolates and isothiocyanates that can reduce your risk of cancer.

See? Not all healthy food is gross! Dark chocolate is actually heart-healthy and can lower your bad cholesterol numbers and blood pressure. Of course, because it's a "happy" food, it will also calm you and boost endorphins. But you can't just munch on a Hershey bar. Find out how to eat the healthiest dark chocolate by clicking here.

Oily fish gets all the love, but cold water fish such as cod are great for your cardiovascular health. Cod is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and provides vitamins B12 and B6.

Coffee and longevity have a lot to do with one another. This popular morning beverage is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases, Type 2 diabetes, cancer, and suicide.

Pucker up! The tart cranberry can give you a healthy thyroid thanks to a healthy dose of iodine. Cranberry juice also helps your urinary health.

Garlic not only flavors your meals flawlessly, it is also said to have over 200 chemical compounds including allicin, which has bacteria-fighting properties that help reduce fats and cholesterol. Garlic supplements can also reduce your blood pressure.

Green tea can basically save your life. This common drink helps with the digestion, absorption, and metabolization of food, aiding in weight loss. Among other things, green tea is packed with polyphenols, which is a powerful antioxidant.

Vegetables like kale, spinach, collard greens, and other dark leafy greens are the ultimate superfood. They're rich in fiber and iron and are also full of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.

Eating a handful (or so) of nuts a day can be truly beneficial to your health. And it doesn't matter what nut you love the most. Pistachios reduce cholesterol levels, walnuts contain more polyunsaturated fatty acids than any other common nut, and even the humble peanut can reduce cholesterol levels and reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.

Those who follow the Mediterranean diet know the wonders of olive oil well. This common oil contains monounsaturated fat, vitamin E, vitamin K, antioxidants, and consuming about 2 tablespoons a day can improve your longevity.

It's said that drinking one glass of red wine is as beneficial as an hour at the gym. But that's not all. It can slow the development of dementia, prevent breast cancer, and lower your cholesterol. Above all, it keeps you happy and reduces the risks of depression.

Like other oily fish, the health benefits of salmon can't be overstated. It's low in calories, high in protein, and contains a multitude of B vitamins. It's also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which keeps you trim and reduces the risks of blood clots.

Seaweed is the superfood you're not eating. This sea vegetable is filled with calcium, copper, iodine, and iron, while simultaneously being rich in fiber and protein. When added to other dishes, it can provide a satiating umami flavor, allowing you to eat less and feel fulfilled.

Seeds have a multitude of health benefits. Sunflower seeds, quinoa, and sesame seeds can prevent weight gain and the development of heart disease. But that's not all! Pumpkin seeds, for instance, can lower blood pressure.

Sweet potatoes help to boost a healthy immune system, allowing you to fight off illness. They also help build healthy bones with vitamin D and are a major source of vitamin C, which reduces the risk of certain types of cancer.

Tomatoes really are the jewel of the food world. Their signature bright red hue comes from lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can help battle certain kinds of cancer. They also support heart health thanks to healthy doses of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and choline.

Everyone knows they should drink more water, but it truly is vital. Water helps the body release harmful toxins and is essential for cardiovascular and renal health. Being hydrated also helps keep you trim.

Whole grains, such as barley, brown rice, and oats are packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants. They can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

The probiotics found in yogurt's live bacteria can help boost the immune system and promote a healthy digestive tract. Of course, this dairy product also contains animal protein and calcium for bone health.