A woman who claims she is 124 years old, making her the oldest person alive in the world, has shared what she believes is the secret to her longevity.
Qiu Chai, from China, says eating three meals a day, going on outdoor walks, and going to bed after 8pm every night is a must.
Giving further insight into her diet, the grandma’s go-to meal consists of rice and vegetables mixed with a piece of lard “the size of a table tennis ball”.
While doctors have urged her to eat less animal fat due to her suffering from eye and ear diseases, she has reportedly vowed to continue.
In her younger years, Qiu is said to have also eaten a big bowl of noodles with oil every night, another common staple in Chinese cuisine.
Despite her age, which has not been verified although she does hold a verification card, she still manages to fulfil her everyday tasks such as feeding the geese and burning firewood, with no problems.
Qiu Chai from China recently celebrated her 124th birthday
(Image: JAMPRESS)
While she is still seemingly in good health, this may not be the case for all who consume lard or high-fat oils regularly.
According to the NHS, lard amongst many other food items, has a high amount of saturated fat.
UK health guidelines recommend that an average man should eat no more than 30g of saturated fat a day, and for women, no more than 20g.
Eating lots of saturated fat can raise your cholesterol and increase your risk of heart disease.
As for oil, the likes of olive, avocado and rapeseed oils are healthier alternatives to butter and lard.
The health website adds that rice and grains are also a good choice of starchy food, which can be low in fat and provide energy.
Brown and wholegrain varieties, in particular, offer more nutritious benefits such as more fibre, which helps support the body get rid of waste.
Additionally, noodles are recommended to be enjoyed in moderation, with some types providing more health benefits than others.