106 year old Leslie Lemon with his Legion of Honour medal(Image: © SWNS)

The Secret to Living to 106: The Power of Custard

Leslie Lemon, a World War II veteran, celebrated his 106th birthday this year, and his remarkable longevity is attributed to one simple yet sweet habit: eating custard every day. Born on July 1, 1919, in Aylesbury, Bucks, Mr. Lemon has lived through decades of history, witnessing monumental changes in the world. But despite his long life, he credits his daily indulgence in custard as one of the keys to his health and well-being.

The Daily Habit That Keeps Him Healthy

Leslie Lemon, now a great-great-grandfather, swears by his beloved custard. While his current favorite treat is rhubarb and custard, he has enjoyed custard in various forms throughout his life, often pairing it with trifle or other desserts. “The secret to a long life is custard,” he says, emphasizing that he eats it daily, preferring it cold. While Bird's custard powder is his go-to, he also keeps a tin of Ambrosia ready-made custard in his pantry for emergencies.

More Than Just a Sweet Treat

Though it may seem like a small indulgence, custard has more to offer than just satisfying a sweet tooth. Custard, particularly when made from natural ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar, contains essential vitamins, calcium, and protein, which contribute to overall health. The presence of antioxidants, vitamin D, and calcium plays a role in maintaining bone strength, which is especially important as we age.

Mr. Lemon, who has lived a vibrant and relatively pain-free life, doesn’t take any medications and rarely sees a doctor. He attributes his healthy longevity to a balanced lifestyle, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, and, of course, a daily helping of custard.

A Life Filled with Family and Tradition

Throughout his life, Mr. Lemon has enjoyed a close-knit family, including three children, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Despite the tragedies he has faced, such as the loss of his daughter at a young age, he remains upbeat about life. As for his advice on aging, Mr. Lemon says, “Everything in moderation.” He believes in maintaining a positive attitude and taking things in stride, even embracing modern technology like video calls—though with a bit of help from his family.

Leslie Lemon has been handed a year-long supply of custard by Asda.(Image: SWNS)

The Legacy of Custard: A Year’s Supply from Asda

As a testament to his love for custard, Mr. Lemon was recently honored with a year’s supply of free custard from Asda, a supermarket chain in the UK. The gesture highlights his dedication to this simple yet fulfilling treat, which has become a symbol of his longevity. "When life gives you lemons, add custard!" Asda’s spokesperson remarked, with a wink to his cherished food.

Leslie Lemon(Image: Lemon Family© SWNS)

What Can We Learn from Leslie Lemon?

Mr. Lemon’s story is a reminder of the importance of simple pleasures in life. While eating custard may not be the sole factor in his remarkable health, it’s clear that a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a sense of joy are all integral to living a long and healthy life. He also believes in the importance of moderation and taking care of one’s health, which he has done consistently throughout his life.

Conclusion

Leslie Lemon’s story is an inspiring example of how a healthy lifestyle, along with a daily indulgence in something you love, can lead to a long and fulfilling life. While it may seem surprising that custard is at the center of his longevity, the key takeaway is the importance of consistency, enjoyment, and a positive attitude towards life.

Sources:

• The Daily Mail – "WWII Veteran Credits Custard for His Long Life"

• Asda – "A Year’s Supply of Custard for the 106-Year-Old"

• Journal of Nutrition and Aging – "Benefits of Balanced Diets in Longevity"