A 73y/o doctor's 3 longevity habits and 2 go-to veggies for vessel health

In Taiwan, a 73-year-old doctor remains remarkably robust, free from the "three highs" (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol), and continues to see patients daily. This energetic doctor has shared his three key longevity habits and revealed his two favorite types of vegetables that help keep blood vessels clear.

According to multiple Taiwanese media reports, Dr. Li Long-teng, a 73-year-old family medicine specialist, appeared spirited and energetic in a recent interview. He remains active, practicing at hospitals including National Taiwan University Hospital, Hong-En Hospital, and Ren-Ji Hospital. Despite a busy schedule that often leaves him skipping lunch and even hesitant to take bathroom breaks, Li proudly states that since childhood, he has adhered to just three principles, maintaining his "no three highs" health status.

Longevity Habit 1: Consistent Sleep Schedule

Li maintains a strict routine of going to bed between 10:00 PM and 10:30 PM and waking up between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM. He doesn't sleep in due to tiredness, nor does he stay up late. He even adhered to this during his college entrance exams, always being in bed before 11:00 PM.

Longevity Habit 2: Consistent Exercise

Li shares that he used to love running. Now at an older age, he has adjusted his routine to running one day and resting for three days, covering about 10 kilometers over those three running days.

Longevity Habit 3: Commitment to a Balanced Diet

Li aims for a daily macronutrient ratio of 60 percent carbohydrates, 25 percent protein, and 15 percent fat. However, he admits that with age, consuming too many carbohydrates can easily raise blood sugar levels, so he shifts his calorie distribution towards protein and fat. He shares, "Sometimes I have coffee and an egg in the morning. If I'm too busy to eat lunch, I must make up the nutrition in the evening." Therefore, he calculates his morning intake of carbs and fat and supplements the lacking protein in the evening.

Furthermore, he particularly enjoys eating wood ear mushrooms (black fungus) and celery. Besides being rich in dietary fiber, they help cleanse the blood and reduce the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction. Li points out that many people emphasize supplementing with lutein or beta-carotene, but simply eating colorful vegetables is sufficient—such as cauliflower, spinach, and carrots. He recommends eating at least one or two servings daily, about half a plate's worth.

Damaged Blood Vessels Can Lead to Stroke and Heart Attack: What Are the Symptoms? 

Vascular health is crucial for promoting healthy longevity. Deterioration in vascular health can lead to life-threatening conditions like stroke and myocardial infarction. Once a stroke or heart attack occurs, the following symptoms may appear:

According to information from the Hong Kong Department of Health, stroke patients typically experience the following symptoms:

• Weakness, numbness and/or tingling in the face, arm, or leg; paralysis on one side of the body
• Slurred speech or loss of speech ability
• Facial drooping, eye deviation
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty swallowing
• Severe headache
• Unsteady gait or falling
• Incontinence
• Drooling
• In severe cases, drowsiness or even death may occur.

Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) Symptoms:

According to information from the Hospital Authority, symptoms of acute myocardial infarction include:

• Chest pain or discomfort (sometimes radiating to the jaw and left arm)
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Indigestion-like discomfort
• Dizziness
• Cardiac arrest

As myocardial infarction is a life-threatening condition, it is crucial to seek immediate medical treatment if symptoms appear and acute myocardial infarction is suspected.