World's Longest Living Siblings All Ate This Dish Every Day

In Sardinia, locals have perfected a simple yet powerful dish that they swear by.

Minestrone soup

The hearty, bean-filled broth was popularized by one Sardinian family, known as the Melis siblings, who set the world record for their incredible combined age of 818 years and 205 days. The three brothers and six sisters had a collective age of 818 years and 205 days, verified by Guinness World Records. That's an average age of almost 91.

Every day, they gathered around the table to enjoy the same simple dish passed down through generations - a comforting winter soup packed with nourishing, immune-boosting ingredients.

Every family has their own version, and the recipe varies with the seasons, using whatever vegetables are available. However, it always includes its signature ingredients - beans and fregula, a uniquely Sardinian toasted semolina pasta shaped like tiny pearls.

Sardinia is one of the places in the world - known as Blue Zones - where inhabitants share common habits that promote longevity, such as strong community connections, a sense of purpose, and low stress. However, having a largely plant-based diet is what keeps these communities nourished well into old-age. And, clearly, for the Melis siblings, minestrone soup appears to have been an important ingredient in their longevity.

Made with a nourishing mix of soaked fava beans, chickpeas, and cranberry beans, the dish is rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Fresh vegetables, plenty of olive oil, and fragrant herbs add even more nutrients and flavor, supporting heart health, boosting immunity, and making it the perfect comfort food for the colder months.

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