Many people want to live a long life and live a few more years in this world, but sometimes they are helpless when they encounter some unexpected things, such as war. The Three Kingdoms period was a turbulent time. Where there is struggle, there is war. During the Three Kingdoms period, the average life expectancy of people was only twenty or thirty years old. We all know that Sima Yi has lived long enough, but in fact Cao Cao has lived long enough, only six or seven years less than Sima Yi, so why can Cao Cao live to an old age? He handles affairs every day, and how does he maintain his health?

In that war-torn era, the average life expectancy of people was only twenty or thirty years old, and Cao Cao died at the age of sixty-six, which was already an advanced age. He lived a hard military life for a long time, always in the whirlpool of political struggle, always fighting armed and unarmed, open and hidden enemies. Without a strong body and good psychological quality, it is impossible to bear such a heavy load.

However, with the growth of age, Cao Cao's body is also aging. He felt the threat of death approaching. He firmly denied the superstition of divination and knew the truth of birth, illness and death. At the same time, it makes me anxious to think that people's life is really short, the great cause of reunification has only been partially realized, and the tree of life has begun to wither. He hopes that God can spend more time, be energetic forever, live a long and healthy life, and better show the meaning of life.

Cao Cao sent a letter to Huangfu Long, the birthday boy, asking about the way to keep in good health: I heard that your body is still strong, your hearing is keen, your eyesight is undiminished, and your face is rosy. It is a beautiful thing. Please consult and look forward to your reply. Huang Huanglong replied: the secret of longevity "practicing essence" comes from Taoist Kuaijing. How to "refine" Before getting up in the morning, swallow the saliva in your mouth and tap your teeth 27 times. Kuaijing persevered. 178 years old, she was better than young people.

From the perspective of modern science, "refining essence" has some truth: saliva is rich in enzymes, which can kill oral germs and help food digestion; Beating your teeth often can prevent your gums from loosening; Tight gums and good chewing function. Man is a material entity and needs enough nutrition to maintain life activities. Healthy teeth and normal digestive function are the most important conditions to ensure nutrient absorption. Nutrition is guaranteed, the body's disease resistance is strong, and strong disease resistance will inevitably lead to longevity.

Cao Cao's longing for the evergreen tree of life is also reflected in the poem "Although the turtle is born": Although the turtle is born, there is still time. The snake rode on the fog and finally landed in the dust. An old horse crouches, aiming at a thousand miles. The martyrs were full of courage in their later years. Surplus and contraction periods are not just in the sky. Blessings that nourish grace can last forever. I am glad to use this poem to express my inner desire.

How to "nourish"? Cao Cao pays attention to psychological adjustment and food hygiene.

Psychological adjustment refers to the adaptability to various environments and some elegant hobbies. Cao Cao is good at dispelling the troubles and setbacks caused by political and military struggles by comforting himself, and is good at forgetting the pain of yesterday's failure by looking forward to tomorrow's victory. For example, after the defeat of Chibi and Hanba, he used his own silent efforts to adjust his mood, restored his usual self-confidence, and won the battle of the western expedition to Guanlong Xiangfan. In military and political affairs, he can take time off, recite poems, learn calligraphy, enjoy singing and dancing, play chess, fencing and shoot, because such activities are good for physical and mental health.

Cao Cao once wrote the book "Four Seasons Diet System", which introduced eating on the spot in spring, summer, autumn and winter, in order to gain some reasonable and comprehensive nutrition knowledge. Among them, the names, producing areas and characteristics of many nutritious foods are listed, and there are as many as 14 species of fish alone. Fish contains high-energy protein, which is easy to digest and absorb, and is beneficial to strengthening the brain and heart. It is an important food for Cao Cao. There are also several kinds of seasonings, which can increase the color, fragrance and beauty of food, promote appetite and make people feel comfortable and eat.

Cao Cao often drinks "spring wine" produced in Qiao County. Spring wine is low in alcohol content and slightly sweet. The main raw material is refined glutinous rice, which is similar to rice wine in later generations. He presented the formula of spring wine to the emperor, saying that spring wine can cure diseases, and the longer it is stored, the better it will be.

Cao Cao often eats pueraria lobata and drinks. Pueraria lobata, also called Hu, can dilate blood vessels. Because it is highly toxic, most people die after eating it for a long time. Qu is a poisonous wine soaked in the feathers of Qu bird, and a small amount can enhance the resistance. Cao Cao's consumption of these poisons may be related to relieving headaches.

Cao Cao once wrote a poem with the tune of Yuefu's "Escape from the East", which denied the view that "good virtue will lead to long life": virtue is indispensable and difficult to tolerate. Zheng Kangcheng was exhausted from drinking. Guo Jingtu spent his whole life in Yuansang. Zheng Kangcheng (Zheng Xuan) suddenly fell to the ground and died while changing wine; Guo Jingtu walked in the mulberry field and died suddenly. Zheng He and Guo are celebrities with noble moral character, but accidents are inevitable, ordinary people. This incident provides a negative argument for Cao Cao's view of "fostering happiness".