Eating a healthy, balanced diet – including at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day – could lower your risk of an early death, according to the NHS. You could also boost your lifespan by doing regular exercise. It’s the “miracle cure” we’ve all been waiting for, it said. Making some small diet or lifestyle changes could help to increase your life expectancy and avoid an early death. You could lower your risk of obesity by regularly eating lentils, it’s been claimed.

They’re also a great weight loss food, and an excellent source of nutrients for all

Juliette Kellow and Dr Sarah Brewer

Lentils form part of the ‘supergroup’ pulses, which have a number of health benefits, according to dietitian Juliette Kellow and nutritionist Dr Sarah Brewer.

They’re packed full of protein and fibre, which help patients to feel fuller for longer.

Subsequently, eating lentils could stop you from snacking, and may even help you to eat less overall.

“Good intakes of pulses [what are the dried seeds of legume plants], such as beans, chickpeas, lentils, and dried peas, are linked to a host of health benefits, reducing the risk of many age-related problems, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes,” they wrote in their book ‘Eat Better Live Longer – Understand What Your Body Needs To Stay Healthy’.

“They’re also a great weight loss food, and an excellent source of nutrients for all, but are particularly useful for vegans and vegetarians.

“Pulses can help us to manage our weight. They have a low glycaemic index, so keep blood sugar steady and prevent energy slumps that lead to snacking.

“They’re also packed with protein and fibre – a magic combination for improving fullness so you eat less overall.

“Studies show a daily serving of 80g offers the best health benefits – choose a variety to ensure a range of nutrients.”

Regularly eating pulses could also help to prevent high cholesterol, added the nutritionists.

They’re rich in soluble fibre that binds with cholesterol in the digestive system, and stops it from being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Having high cholesterol increases your risk of some deadly heart conditions, including heart disease and heart attacks.

Eating five portions of fruit and vegetables every week is the best way to make sure you lead a long and healthy life.

Regular exercise is a crucial aspect to improving overall health, and helping you to live longer.

People that do regular exercise are up to 50 per cent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes and some cancers, said the NHS.

It may even slash the chances of coronary heart disease and stroke by up to 35 per cent.

All UK adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week.

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