World’s oldest family say eating porridge is the key to a long life
From a young age, we were told that eating porridge would make us grow big and strong – but alas, the temptation of a chocolate filled bowl of Coco Pops was too much, and we didn't listen.
As delicious as our alternative breakfasts may be, we may live to regret those choices after hearing this advice from the world's oldest family.
With a combined age of 1,075 years, the Donnelly family have revealed the secret behind their long lives – porridge oats.
Inducted into the Guinness book of records, the 13 siblings from County Armagh grew up on a simple diet of locally sourced ingredients.
Photo – BBC
However, it wasn't the free-range chicken or home-grown vegetables that fuelled their record breaking lives, but rather a twice daily helping of porridge.
“We've always followed Daddy's habit of that nice warm bite before sleep,” said Joe Donnelly, the 72-year-old, baby of the family.
“Porridge at around 10pm, then again for breakfast at 7am. Cooked oats, milk, a spot of apple jam on top.”
According to The Independent, the family claim that the dish has had such an impact on their lives that it's prompted scientists at the International Longevity Centre to launch a study into their diet.
“Our diet has never been from processed of polluted foods,” Joe added.
“We worked with nature, everything eaten was either grown or reared by us.”
Photo – BBC
Experts have also questioned whether the Donnelly sibling's choice to abstain from alcohol has anything do to with their longevity.
Three of the 16 children have passed away, leaving 13 others ranging between 72 and 93.
Since earning their place in the Guinness book of records, the family have praised the effects of an organic diet.
However, they remain strong in their claim that porridge, with its blood pressure and cholesterol lowering properties, is the real secret to a long life.
