The longest-lived family in the world ate the same kind of food all their lives, and this is confirmed even by experts.
Nine brothers and sisters were known as the family with the longest life expectancy in the world and in 2012 they were included in the Guinness Book of Records for the longest cumulative age – 818 years.
In 2023, the Melis siblings appeared in a documentary series on Netflix – Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones.
What is this kind of food?
The family’s emblematic dish is based on vegetable ingredients and contains foods rich in vitamins. Explaining the diet, expert Buettner stated:
“Every day of their lives, they ate the same kind of food for lunch. Mayo bread, minestrone soup with three types of beans – a hearty soup with vegetables from the garden. This always included three types of beans: garbanzo, pinto, and white beans. After that, I drink a small glass of red wine. And not because ‘that’s what my diet demands’, but because they liked it.”
New York-based nutritionist Samantha Cassetty told Today:
“People who live the longest and healthiest lives typically consume between a half cup and a cup of beans daily. It is worth noting that the soup contains three types of beans and many vegetables. Studies show that including 30 unique plant foods per week can improve the diversity of the gut microbiome, which is an indicator of gut health. The gut regulates essential health functions such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, inflammation, mood, weight, and nutrient absorption, so with a healthy gut, you’re more likely to live a long, healthy life.”
Why is the “Melis” soup recipe so beneficial for health
Pinto beans are rich in nutrients, protein and fiber and contain no cholesterol. Garbanzo beans have the same benefits. White beans are known as a “powerhouse” due to their high content of fiber, protein and micronutrients, especially folic acid, magnesium and vitamin B6.
What happened to the Melis family
In recent years, members of the Melis family have passed away. Consolata Melis died in 2015, at the age of 108, being the oldest resident of her town. She was the eldest of nine siblings. His sister, Claudina, died in 2016, aged 103, Maria aged 100, and Antonio aged 97.
