Media Coverage: Dr Asiya Maula Shares Expert Advice on Foods That Support Healthy Ageing and Longevity
Dr Asiya Maula, private GP and longevity expert at The Health Suite, has shared her expert insights with the Daily Mail in an article exploring the foods that may support healthy ageing and long-term wellbeing.
The feature, “Experts reveal the 8 surprising foods that can help you live longer,” looks beyond restrictive diets and popular wellness trends to explore how everyday foods can contribute to a balanced approach to longevity.
Why a Balanced Diet Matters for Longevity
Dr Maula explains that eating for a longer, healthier life does not mean giving up favourite foods or following an unnecessarily restrictive diet.
She told the Daily Mail:
“People often assume that eating for longevity means following a restrictive diet or cutting out all their favourite foods.
“In reality, the evidence points towards a varied, balanced diet built around plants, fibre and healthy fats, with room for some foods that might surprise you.”
Her advice highlights the importance of overall dietary patterns rather than relying on individual foods as miracle solutions.
Everyday Foods That Can Support Healthy Ageing
The article explores eight food groups and their potential contribution to long-term health, including several highlighted by Dr Maula.
- Coffee
Moderate coffee consumption has been associated in research with a lower risk of death from various causes. Dr Maula explains that coffee contains polyphenols and other compounds that may support metabolic and cardiovascular health.
She also points out that the benefits should not be confused with heavily sweetened coffee drinks, which can contain substantial amounts of added sugar.
- Cheese
Cheese provides protein, calcium and other nutrients that support muscle and bone health as people age. Dr Maula notes that some observational studies have found associations between cheese consumption and lower mortality, although this does not prove that cheese itself increases lifespan.
- Oily Fish
Salmon, sardines, mackerel and trout provide omega-3 fatty acids, which support normal heart function, alongside protein and other essential nutrients.
Including oily fish as part of a balanced diet can help people meet their nutritional needs as they get older.
- Beans, Lentils and Leafy Greens
Dr Maula describes these as some of the most underrated foods for healthy ageing. They provide fibre, plant protein, minerals and slowly digested carbohydrates, supporting gut health, fullness and healthy blood sugar levels.
She also highlights the benefits of replacing some processed or red meat with plant-based protein sources such as beans and lentils.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Rich in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, olive oil may support cardiovascular health. Dr Maula recommends using it in place of fats higher in saturated fat as a practical way to adopt elements of a Mediterranean-style eating pattern.
- Nuts and Seeds
Walnuts, almonds, chia seeds and flaxseed provide unsaturated fats, fibre, protein and minerals. Dr Maula highlights their value as simple additions to everyday meals and snacks.
Thinking Beyond Individual Foods
A key message from Dr Maula’s contribution is that healthy ageing is supported by variety and consistency rather than relying on one particular ingredient.
Eating a broad range of plant foods, including vegetables, fruit, beans, lentils, wholegrains, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices, helps provide different types of fibre and polyphenols that support the gut microbiome.
Her advice also reinforces the importance of enjoying food while making balanced choices that can be maintained over time.
A Sustainable Approach to Longevity
Dr Asiya Maula’s contribution highlights that longevity is not about following the latest diet trend or eliminating every indulgence. It is about building sustainable eating habits that provide the nutrients the body needs throughout life.
A varied diet, rich in plant foods, fibre and healthy fats, can form an important part of supporting long-term health, alongside other lifestyle factors.
Read the full feature in the Daily Mail: “Experts reveal the 8 surprising foods that can help you live longer.”