World-famous biologist Sir David Attenborough has revealed that he'd love to reach 100 years old, and has attributed some of his enduring health and vitality to a straightforward dietary alteration.

While not completely vegetarian, Sir David is widely understood to have dramatically cut back on his red meat consumption. He believes this shift could be playing a role in his longevity. This isn't a recent development, as back in 2017, Attenborough discussed his eating patterns.

He said: "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." He confessed that he still consumes cheese and fish, but has otherwise "become much more vegetarian" than he ever imagined he would be.

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There is solid scientific evidence supporting the advantages of embracing a more plant-focused diet regarding overall health and long life, reports the Express. Red meat - beef, lamb, mutton, pork, veal, venison and goat - is something the 99-year-old has severely limited in his diet.

Consuming excessive amounts of processed meat and red meat heightens the risk of developing bowel (colorectal) cancer, according to the NHS. Some of these meats contain high levels of saturated fat, which can elevate blood cholesterol if consumed excessively.

Having elevated cholesterol increases your risk of coronary heart disease. If you're considering slashing something from your diet, be cautious not to deprive yourself of vital nutrients.

Neglecting to ensure a balanced and nutritious diet can lead to health complications. Harvard Health experts advise those looking to reduce their red meat intake to find suitable alternatives to maintain adequate protein levels. Daniel Pendick, former executive editor of Harvard Men's Health Watch, noted that swapping one daily serving of red meat with one of these options decreased mortality in the study by 7% to 19%.

Six beneficial alternatives to red meat for extending life include poultry, fish, beans, nuts, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.