Eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly may increase your life expectancy. Other factors, like overeating and drinking more than a moderate level of alcohol, may reduce your risk of certain diseases.

Many people think that life expectancy is largely determined by genetics.

However, genes play a much smaller role than originally believed. It turns out that environmental factors like diet and lifestyle are key.

Here are 13 habits linked to a long life.

1. Avoid overeating

The link between calorie intake and longevity currently generates a lot of interest.

Animal studies suggest that a 10–50% reduction in normal calorie intake may increase maximum lifespan.

Studies of human populations renowned for longevity also observe links between low calorie intake, an extended lifespan, and a lower likelihood of disease.

What’s more, calorie restriction may help reduce excess body weight and belly fat, both of which are associated with shorter lifespans

That said, long-term calorie restriction is often unsustainable and can include negative side effects, such as increased hunger, low body temperature, and a diminished sex drive.

Whether calorie restriction slows aging or extends your lifespan is not yet fully understood.

2. Eat more nuts

Nuts are nutritional powerhouses.

They’re rich in protein, fibre, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds. What’s more, they’re a great source of several vitamins and minerals, such as copper, magnesium, potassium, folate, niacin, and vitamins B6 and E.

Several studies show that nuts have beneficial effects on heart disease, high blood pressure, inflammation, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, belly fat levels, and even some forms of cancer.

One study found that people who consumed at least 3 servings of nuts per week had a 39% lower risk of premature death.

Similarly, two recent reviews including over 350,000 people noted that those who ate nuts had a 4–27% lower risk of dying during the study period — with the greatest reductions seen in those who ate 1 serving of nuts per day.

3. Try out turmeric

When it comes to anti-aging strategies, turmeric is a great option. That’s because this spice contains a potent bioactive compound called curcumin.

Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin is thought to help maintain brain, heart, and lung function, as well as protect against cancers and age-related diseases

Curcumin is linked to an increased lifespan in both insects and mice

However, these findings have not always been replicated, and no human studies are currently available.

Nevertheless, turmeric has been consumed for thousands of years in India and is generally considered safe.