3 familiar Vietnamese dishes on the menu of the world's oldest man

(Dan Tri) - The secret to his longevity does not lie in supplements or a sophisticated diet, but in a simple lifestyle, closeness to nature, and fresh, minimally processed foods.

At the age of 113, João Marinho Neto is still in good health, mentally alert and has never suffered from chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes or cancer.

His secret does not lie in elaborate recipes, but in a simple lifestyle and a natural diet based on local products.

According to People, Neto was born in the town of Maranguape, Ceará state (Brazil), and just celebrated his 113th birthday on October 5.

After British man John Tinniswood passed away at the age of 112 in late 2024, Guinness World Records officially recognized Mr. Neto as the world's oldest living man, with the exact age at that time being 112 years and 52 days.

The secret to longevity from a natural diet

At the age of 113, João Marinho Neto still maintains stable health and a clear mind (Photo: People).

In an interview with TV Globo, Neto said he does not follow any special diet.

Throughout his life, he maintained a simple diet of fresh, minimally processed foods. Every morning, he started his day with a cup of strong coffee and some fresh grapes. This was a habit he maintained for decades.

According to nurse Diulia Dara Nascimento, who cares for her at the São Sebastião nursing home, grapes are her favorite fruit.

Science has also shown that grapes contain a lot of resveratrol. This is a powerful antioxidant found in grape skins and seeds, which helps reduce inflammation, improve cardiovascular function and slow down cell aging.

Research from Harvard University (USA) has shown that resveratrol has the same effect as calorie dieting, activating the SIRT1 gene related to longevity and healthy metabolism.

In his daily diet, he also eats free-range chicken, a source of easily digestible protein, low in saturated fat. Natural chicken provides the body with essential amino acids, and is also rich in zinc and selenium, two micronutrients that play an important role in strengthening the immune system.

Thanks to a simple diet rich in antioxidants and fresh foods, Mr. Neto remains healthy despite surpassing the "rare" age of more than a century.

Another food that Neto often eats is panela, a type of raw sugar concentrated from sugarcane juice, rich in minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium.

Compared to refined sugar, panela not only provides energy but also helps maintain more stable blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of insulin resistance.

According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology , panela is rich in natural antioxidants, which can protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Live optimistically and stay close to family

When asked about the secret to longevity, he just smiled and said that the most important thing is to always have loved ones by his side. For him, a comfortable spirit and attachment to loved ones are more precious medicine than any kind of food.

His son, Mr. Marcos Vinicius Marques, shared that his father had been a farmer since he was 4 years old, was used to manual labor and always lived in harmony.

He said his father never drank alcohol, did not smoke and always maintained a moderate lifestyle. Research by the World Health Organization (WHO) also shows that people with strong social relationships and regular interactions with family and friends have an average life expectancy of about 7-10 years higher than those who live in isolation.

Neto currently has 8 children, 6 of whom are still living, along with 22 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. On his 113th birthday, he happily welcomed guests, took photos with relatives and sent congratulations to Mrs. Ethel Caterham, 116 years old, who holds the title of the world's oldest living person.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/3-mon-quen-thuoc-cua-nguoi-viet-trong-thuc-don-cua-cu-ong-tho-nhat-the-gioi-20251009065453911.htm