We all know that staying active is essential to good health, but did you know that flexibility specifically might help predict how long you live? According to a fascinating new study, people between the ages of 46 and 65 who have greater flexibility are less likely to die over the following decade or more. Yes, touching your toes could be more important than you think!
The Flexibility-Longevity Connection
The study didn’t just stop at flexibility. Researchers have also found that your ability to rise from a seated position on the floor and balance on one leg for 10 seconds are strong predictors of longevity. These seemingly simple physical abilities indicate strength, balance, and mobility, all of which play a critical role in maintaining independence and overall health as we age.
Why does this matter? As we get older, many of us experience reduced mobility and flexibility, which can lead to increased risks of falls, injuries, and chronic pain. Maintaining flexibility can help prevent these issues and contribute to a longer, healthier life.
If you’re not already incorporating flexibility exercises into your routine, now might be the perfect time to start. Maybe this is your sign to check out that yoga class you’ve been thinking about or simply take regular breaks from sitting to stretch. Your body—and your future self—will thank you!
Pro Health Tip: Keep Your Body’s “Bucket” Clean
Let’s shift gears a bit and talk about toxins. Think of your body as a bucket that’s constantly being filled with chemical toxins—from the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the products we use. Luckily, our bodies have natural detox pathways that help drain these toxins out. The key to staying healthy is making sure your body is clearing out toxins faster than they build up.
Here are some simple changes you can make to minimize your exposure to everyday toxins and keep your “bucket” from overflowing:
💧 Ditch Plastic: Switch to a glass or stainless steel water bottle instead of using plastic ones.
💸 Skip Receipts: Opt out of printed receipts when you can—they’re often coated with BPA, a harmful chemical.
🧴 Fragrance-Free Cleaning: Choose fragrance-free cleaning products, which tend to contain fewer harmful chemicals.
🍭 Avoid Synthetic Dyes: Steer clear of foods with synthetic dyes, which can have adverse effects on health.
🌽 Go Organic: Whenever possible, choose organic produce to reduce your intake of pesticides and other chemicals.
💋 Choose Paraben-Free: Opt for personal care products that are paraben-free, as parabens can disrupt hormone function.
🌱 Purify Your Air: Use air purifiers or houseplants to keep the air in your home clean and toxin-free.
By making these small but powerful adjustments, you can support your body’s natural detoxification processes and help maintain long-term health.
Takeaways
From touching your toes to minimizing toxins, taking care of your body’s flexibility and internal environment plays a significant role in your overall well-being. Remember, aging is inevitable, but how we age is something we can influence. So, whether you start a daily stretching routine or make the switch to cleaner products, every small step counts towards living a longer, healthier life.
Creamy Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup cashews, raw, unsalted
- ½ cup water
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes (or mix of tomatoes, roma, cherry, etc)
- 2-3 Tbsp olive oil
- 5-6 cloves garlic, whole
- ½ onion, chopped into large pieces
- 1 oz vodka optional
- 1-2 Tbsp red chili flakes
- salt & pepper
- 1 lb Pasta, dry
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add your cashews to a small bowl, and cover with warm water. Soak for at least 20-30 minutes. If you forget this step, or don’t have time, you can soak in hot water for a shorter period of time.
- Preheat oven to 400 °F
- Wash and dry your tomatoes. Add to a parchment paper lined baking sheeting. Add you garlic and onion. Drizzle with olive oil and salt. Toss to make sure everything is well coated. Roast for about 15 minutes or until cherry tomatoes have opened, and garlic is soft.
- Once tomatoes are done, let them cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, drain your cashews and add them to the blender. Add 1/2 cup of fresh water. Blend until smooth.
- Transfer your tomatoes, garlic, onion and as much of the juices as possible, to the blender with the cashews. Blend until smooth. If it’s super thick, add a little bit of water.
- Get a large pot of salted water boiling, and cook pasta according to directions on the package.
- Transfer the sauce to a large pan. Turn to low-medium heat. Add the red chili flakes and salt until it’s to your liking.
- Add vodka and bring to a simmer, then reduce to low.
- When your pasta is done cooking, scoop your pasta directly into the tomato sauce using a slotted spoon. You want some of the residual pasta water in your sauce.
- Toss to make sure all the pasta is coated in the sauce. Taste again and adjust anything you think is necessary.
- Garnish with shredded parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast or more red chili flakes.
