The Bonus Years Diet was created by Dr. Ralph Felder, who is the chief of cardiovascular nutrition at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center and is also a trained chef, and Carol Colman, a New York Times Bestselling author.

The diet is centered around seven miracle foods that can improve your health and longevity. The authors claim that by incorporating these foods in your diet regularly you can extend your life by an average of 6.4 years. These are the bonus years
Bonus Years Diet Basics

The Bonus Years Diet is based on increasing your intake of the seven miracle foods. In addition to promoting longevity these foods can also reduce your risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and inflammatory conditions.

These foods were selected specifically to keep the blood vessels healthy and functioning well. By eating the seven miracle foods in the prescribed amounts you will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 75%.
The seven miracle foods include:

  1. Red wine
     Drinking one glass daily reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by 32%.
  2. Chocolate
     Two ounces of dark chocolate each day reduces blood pressure levels due to its high antioxidant content.
  3. Nuts
     Two ounces of nuts daily reduces cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk by 10%.
  4. Garlic
     One clove of garlic daily reduces cholesterol levels and the risk of clots.
  5. Fish
     Eating three servings of fish a week can help to prevent heart rhythm disturbances and reduces cardiovascular disease by 14%.
  6. Fruit
  7. Vegetables
     Four cups of fruits and vegetables each day reduces cardiovascular disease by 21% due to their effects on lowering blood pressure.

In addition to consuming the seven miracle foods, dieters are instructed not to use any oil on the diet. Felder instructs dieters in cooking methods that can be used to substitute for those traditionally involving oil.

The Bonus Years Diet also includes a one-month meal plan and over 125 recipes including the foods for longevity.
Recommended Longevity Foods

Red wine, dark chocolate, nuts, trout, salmon, swordfish, chicken breast, pork tenderloin, garlic, fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, low fat salad dressing, chicken broth.