A legacy of health: Soong Mei-ling – longevity and fight against cancer

Soong Mei-ling, also known as Madame Chiang, was a prominent political figure who played an influential role in Chinese politics and foreign relations in the first half of the 20th century.

She was the second wife of the Nationalist Chinese president Chiang Kai-shek. However, even before marrying him, she enjoyed a good life since her family was prosperous and successful.

Soong Mei-ling was diagnosed with cancer at the age of just 40, but she managed to beat the disease and went on to live to 106, stunning millions.
Eventually, she passed away in 2003.

Wikipedia
Her longevity and healthy lifestyle attracted the attention of many, with Soong Mei-ling demonstrating the knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the importance of strict daily habits and nutrition.

She followed a bedtime routine that included going to bed at 11 p.m. and waking up at 9 a.m. She spent around two hours each day doing creative activities such as reading and drawing.

Soong Mei-ling started her days with a glass of cold water with lemon and gave a special place in her diet to kiwis, pineapples, and lychees.

One of the vegetables that was central in her eating regimen was the celery, which is highly favored in the traditional Chinese medicine. Celery is rich in proteins, carotenoids, carbs, and B vitamins among the rest. At the same time, it is simple and unexpensive to grow.

It is believed to support heart-health, protects eye-sight, supports weight-loss, and fights free radical damage.

Another staple of Soong Mei-ling’s diet was spinach, a plant rich in protein, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and vitamin B2. It delays aging, improves brain function, and supports stomach and pancreatic function.

Soong Mei-ling always had the eating habit of “eating small and frequent meals.” She had five meals a day, and she only ate until she was about 70% full for each meal, leaving her in a constant “semi-hungry” state.