The world's oldest person turns 125 and credits his long life to his diet

WGOLV.COM - Marcelino “Mashico” Abad Tolentino, standing at only 4’3″, is thought to be the oldest person in the world after celebrating his 125th birthday on Saturday, April 5.

Born in the remote Chaglla District of Peru, Tolentino's official Government photo ID states his birth year as 1900.

The elderly man celebrated his birthday at a care home in Huánuco, Peru.

Tolentino celebrated his birthday at a care home in Huánuco, Peru

Jam Press/Pensión 65

He became an orphan at seven when his parents tragically perished while attempting to cross a river.

Tolentino began working in the fields at a young age, unable to attend school due to the considerable distance to the nearest one.

While working in the fields, he raised animals and traded farm products, skills that proved useful later in his life.

He never had a partner or children - he lived a simple, solitary, and self-sufficient life,

What does he credit his long life to?

Tolentino credits his long life to his diet, eating vegetables from his own garden, which he refers to as the “Garden of Eden,” as well as fruit and lamb.

Tolentino chewed coca leaves - a habit he got during his time in the fields to stay energized. He also supplemented much of his diet with herbs and medicinal plants he got from the wild.

But his favorite food to eat is avocado.

“He always asks for avocado in the mornings for breakfast,” Tolentino’s cook at his care home Dolores Pérez told local media. “He can’t live without his avocado.”

Avocados are a bright green fruit with a large pit and dark leathery skin. It's also known as alligator pear or butter fruit. It's also considered a superfood. They are low in sugar and offer nearly 20 vitamins and minerals. They also contain fiber, which helps you feel full longer. Additionally, these nutritious foods can help prevent and reverse disease, according to WebMD. The folate you get from avocados may lower your risk of certain cancers, such as prostate and colon cancer. Nutrients in avocados may also treat cancer.

Tolentino’s acquaintances describe him as a “kind” man who always helps those in need.

When reached by The New York Post for comment, a spokesperson for Guinness World Records said they receive “many applications” from individuals across the world who claim to be the oldest living person, which are further vetted by longevity and gerontology researchers before any record-holding titles can be assigned.

Of Tolentino’s recent milestone, they added that “[he] and his family are welcome to submit an application” on their website.

The current record is held by Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, who is 116 years old. The Brazilian nun will turn 117 on June 8.

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