My name is Margarita. I’m 90 and live without daily pills or major diagnoses. I wake up on my own, make breakfast, walk every day, read without glasses, and keep my memory sharp. People call it luck or genetics, but I believe health is something you build—quietly, one meal at a time—by not giving illness an easy entry.
I’ve watched peers live with pain, fatigue, poor sleep, and bags of medication, and we shrug it off as “just age.” What if it isn’t? What if decades of habits led us here? The hopeful part: it’s never too late. Even after 60, 70, or 80, gentle, natural, consistent food choices can still shift how you feel—no extremes required.
One habit that helped me was a daily infusion of aronia (chokeberry): a small handful of dried berries steeped in hot water. Over time, my head felt lighter, my hands warmer in winter, and my blood pressure steadier. It’s rich in antioxidants that support blood vessels, circulation, eyes, and calm inflammation; you can also add it to plain porridge or compote.
Another quiet helper is willowherb tea, which I drink in the afternoon. It soothes the nerves, supports digestion, eases mild inflammation, and improves sleep without the jitters of coffee or black tea. I steep a teaspoon in hot water for 10–15 minutes and sip it warm after meals or in the evening.
Buckwheat has been my steady staple for energy and sugar balance. Swapping refined breads for simply cooked buckwheat brought steadier energy, less post-meal drowsiness, and a comfortable fullness. It’s naturally rich in fiber and minerals; a spoon of flaxseed oil after cooking is plenty for healthy fats.
For minerals and gut health, I lean on simple seaweed (kelp/laminaria) and fermented cabbage. A spoon or two of rehydrated kelp in salads or with grains supports the thyroid and metabolism, while a small serving of real sauerkraut before meals nourishes the gut and immunity. I avoid versions with sugar or vinegar, stay hydrated, walk daily, sleep on a regular schedule, and keep changes gentle—especially if managing chronic conditions. Longevity isn’t a miracle food; it’s small, steady choices that add up to real vitality.
