Genetics, diet, exercise and lifestyle choices all contribute to how long you will live.
An expert has exclusively told GB News about the "key to longevity" and how Britons can influence it by eating more magnesium-rich foods.
Chief growth officer at Lumen Michal Mor explained that metabolic flexibility is the "root cause" of a longer life, as it "helps prevent the most common, serious diseases that decrease lifespan".
She said: "Metabolic flexibility is a measure of metabolic health, and it refers to the ability of our mitochondria to efficiently switch between fats and carbohydrates to produce energy, based on their availability and our body's energy needs."
Your metabolic flexibility is influenced by how your body switches between fats and carbohydrates to produce energy
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The expert explained that as we grow older, the "sad likelihood is that many of us will succumb to one of four major health issues: cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndromes, like diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's".
By focusing on our metabolic flexibility, we can reduce the risk of these diseases developing.
Michal said: "A flexible or healthy metabolism should use fat for fuel at rest or when fasting and use carbs to support vigorous activity. When you are not metabolically flexible, you experience everything from low energy to weight gain, insulin resistance and diabetes.
"Your body's engine, your metabolism, does not work correctly, and it impacts every aspect of your wellbeing."
Start by focusing on your mitochondria as it helps maintain a "flexible and healthy metabolism".
Michal advised: "The powerhouses within your cells are responsible for energy production. Your muscle mass, circadian rhythm, glycogen storage, cortisol, and insulin sensitivity determine mitochondrial health."
The expert recommended incorporating magnesium-rich foods such as "almonds, pumpkin seeds, spinach, black beans, and whole grains" into your diet to support your mitochondria.
She explained: "Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in as many as 300 bodily processes. It modulates the system, controlling stress responses and helps limit excess cortisol release. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce cortisol production."
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Black beans are high in magnesium, which supports your mitochondria
GETTYAn article published in the National Library of Medicine explained how mitochondria influence ageing.
It noted: "Mitochondria are essential for various biological processes including cellular energy production. The oxidative stress theory of ageing proposes that mitochondria play key roles in ageing by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS).
"Recent studies show that increased levels of ROS or inhibition of mitochondrial function can actually delay ageing and increase lifespan."
Adding supplements to your daily intake can also improve your health and increase your chances of a longer, healthier life.
