Sir David Attenborough's diet for a long life as broadcaster set to turn 99 this week

World-renowned biologist Sir David Attenborough is set to reach the impressive age of 99 this week. The broadcaster has previously shared his aspiration to live to be 100, although hinting at the fact that his 'end is near'.

The 98-year-old credits some of his enduring health and energy to a relatively minor yet significant change in his diet. Sir David, who is not entirely vegetarian, is famously known for reducing his red meat intake substantially, a decision he believes might be aiding his longevity.

As reported by , this dietary shift isn't particularly recent, with Attenborough speaking about his approach to eating in 2017. He shared: "I have certainly changed my diet. Not in a great sort of dramatic way. But I don't think I've eaten red meat for months."

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He also admitted to still indulging in cheese and fish, but overall, he has "become much more vegetarian" than he had ever imagined. Reflecting on the science, which suggests benefits of a plant-focused diet for health and longevity, it appears the biology expert practises what he preaches, greatly reducing his consumption of red meats such as beef, lamb, mutton, pork, veal, venison, and goat.

Sir David will celebrate his 99th birthday on Thursday, May 8 but is candidly aware of nearing the twilight of his life, a sentiment he expressed amidst his most recent series, Ocean, in which he examines the indispensable role marine life plays within our planet's ecosystem.

His approach to diet is supported by various health bodies, with the cautioning that consuming excessive amounts of processed and red meat may heighten the risk of developing bowel cancer. Many of these meats are rich in saturated fats, which, when eaten excessively, can cause a spike in blood cholesterol levels.

However, before cutting out specific foods from your diet, it's essential to guarantee you're not lacking vital nutrients and consult with your doctor. Failing to maintain a well-rounded and nutritious diet can result in health complications.

Experts from Harvard Health suggest that individuals looking to decrease their consumption of red meat should seek suitable substitutes to preserve adequate protein intake. Daniel Pendick, the former executive editor of Harvard Men's Health Watch, highlighted that replacing one daily serving of red meat with alternative choices can lower mortality risk by seven to 19 per cent.

Sir David has also spoken about his commitment to keeping his mind engaged. He confessed his anxieties about ageing in a 2021 conversation with Anderson Cooper.

Sir David voiced his trepidation about cognitive decline and the fear of becoming "helpless" due to conditions such as Alzheimer's. He also opened up to the Telegraph about his concerns regarding ageing, specifically with respect to "coming to terms" with the possibility of memory loss.

Despite these personal challenges, Sir David remains a pivotal presence, continuing to lend his iconic voice-over talents to wildlife documentaries. His latest project, Ocean, is slated for release on Disney+ later this year.

The effects of red meat consumption

The intake of red meat is often associated with higher levels of saturated fat that have been shown to raise low-density lipoprotein or "bad" cholesterol and could elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease, as per the health insights provided by . Moreover, research suggests that diminishing or cutting out red meat could reduce the likelihood of heart disease and mortality linked to it.

The cites studies that correlate high red meat consumption with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, suggesting that lowering red meat intake might decrease the risk of other cancer types too. Further evidence indicates that a significant consumption of red meat may intensify the risk of type 2 diabetes onset.

Diets that restrict or eliminate meat usually have lower calorie and fat content, which can assist in losing weight and maintaining a healthy body mass. A diet devoid of meat is often rich in fibre derived from vegetables, fruits, and grains, promoting a healthy gut microbiome and potentially boosting metabolism and general health.

It's crucial to seek medical advice when considering reducing your red meat consumption.