Switch to whole grains

Changing to whole grains boosts your fibre intake and keeps blood sugar under control

Eating whole grains might make you live longer. Photograph: Thinkstock
Eating whole grains might make you live longer. Photograph: Thinkstock

Switching white bread for whole-wheat or whole-grain bread is a good idea.

You will get more fibre, which can keep blood sugar under control. It also lowers the bad type of cholesterol. Whole grains contain lactic acid, which aids digestion. Whole grains might even help with weight control by making you feel full longer.

According to a study in BMC Medicine, eating whole grains that are high in cereal fibre might actually make you live longer. The study found that eating cereal fibre can reduce the risk of death from causes including cancer and diabetes by 20 per cent.