The future's orange

Eating lots of yellow-orange fruit and vegetables will help you live longer.

According to a study, people with high levels of alpha-carotene (beta-carotene's less well-known cousin) in their blood have a smaller risk of dying early. Alpha-carotene plays a crucial role in defending the DNA in cells from attack, which may explain its ability to limit the type of tissue damage that can trigger illness.

Rich sources of alpha-carotene include yellow-orange fruit and veg such as carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, pumpkin, mango, and cantaloupe melon.